A white businessman has a perfect life - a loving liberal wife who
teaches in a ghetto school, a young neighbor who is like their adopted son, his
new wife with a baby on the way, and the peaceful world of affluent suburban
living. So, why is he taking a bus once a week out to a maximum security prison
and befriending a young black woman, a single mom with ambitions to become a
nurse? Well, you will have to see the play to discover the secret that author Bruce
Graham artfully reveals.
With the subject of white privilege now in the headlines, this play is a
perfect illustration of it. There is a mystery here, and the resolution starkly
brings a deep racial divide into sharp focus. To heighten the tension, author Graham cleverly plays with time, pulling
us back and forth so the revelations hit with greater impact. He gives no
predictable answers, but leaves all of us shaken by the disclosure of the
fragility of our presumed safe worlds.
Brilliantly
directed by Stewart J. Zully, the cast
are flawless. Kevin McCorkle smoothly goes from button-down financier to raging
avenger; Kacie Rogers meets his overtures with total ironic detachment before buckling
under the weight of her desperate need; Amy Stoch is the admirable outspoken
wife; Crash Buist the idealistic yet ambitious young neighbor, and Teagan Rose his
fiery and indignant young spouse.
Produced by Carlyle
King and Michelle Gillette for Road Theatre Company.
At The
Road On Magnolia, 10747 Magnolia Blvd, NoHo, through March 18. For tickets – visit www.roadtheatre.org or call 818-761-8838.
Photos by Michele
Young.
Also reviewed in
the March issue of NOT BORN YESTERDAY.
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