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Season begins with successful opening of Wilson’s ‘Fences’
By Eric McCrea
YOUNGSTOWN
It may be the Victorian Players’ 25th season or the new Hopewell Theatre’s first season, but however you spell it out, its latest season began with the successful opening of August Wilson’s “Fences.”
The recently renamed and renovated Hopewell Theatre still resides at the same location on Mahoning Ave.
“Fences” is about the hard working, blue collar Troy Maxson (John H. McCants Jr.) and his family struggling to get by in late ’50s Pittsburgh. A good man, but not a perfect one, he keeps people at arms length and fights to keep his son Cory, played by Duane Davis, from following in his flawed footsteps.
With good intentions blazing, he manages to scorch the earth behind him as he fends off death.
In a lot of ways, “Fences” is a character study of the dignified, burdened patriarch. At times, the character of Troy is a close resemblance to many ’80s sitcom dads. Loud, gruff, opinionated, talking nonstop, but all as a shell around a big softy.
McCants delivered an amazing performance, carrying the show with a lot of energy. He laid down a hard line and tried to hide that he wanted nothing more than someone to cross it and tear down his walls. Throughout the show, he struggled with his past, and tried to keep his son from turning out like him. Somewhat foolishly, he tried to protect his son from the hurt of giving up on your dreams by forcing him to give up, before life had a chance. McCants is able to convey all this while maintaining a stone facade.
In the role of Rose Maxson, Jaiette Jackson was exceptional. She was able to match McCants intensity and carried herself with grace. Rose wanted nothing more than something resembling a normal life, but when life gave her lemons, she didn’t just make lemonade, she baked a warm lemon meringue pie.
Returning to his role of Bono, D. C. Colvin played Troy’s friend and co-worker. Colvin was able to hold his own alongside McCants as well, although he was more soft spoken. He balanced their similarities with differences that helped drive the script.
Kevin Stringer, in the smaller part of Gabriel, was able to make a huge impact. As a veteran suffering from a brain injury, he provided a suitable amount of interest in the plot without detracting from the main story.
Davis also showed some talent and ability for intensity. Director Carla D. Gipson had no shortage of talent, rounding out the cast with the young Keyirra LaBooth as Raynell and Daniel Clifton Colvin as Lyons.
A great static set designed by Martin Charles Moore and the director made great use of the space and made the newly refinished theater feel larger.
“Fences” will run Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. until Sept. 10 at the Hopewell Theatre, 702 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown. For reservations, call 330-746-5455.