By Ruth Ferguson, NDG Editor
Soul Rep Theatre’s production of Suzan-Lori Parks’ Pultizer Prize winner TOPDOG/UNDERDOG kicked off April 8 and this is not a show to be missed. It is powerful, moving, and heartbreaking. Leaving the show I missed an opportunity to speak to the actors because I was still caught up in the web of their efforts.
Lincoln is the older brother who finds himself sleeping in his brother’s recliner at a run down apartment that does not even have water. Every week he brings home his check to Boothe and they do a budget on how they will manage the $314 Lincoln has earned as an Abraham Lincoln impersonator at a local arcade. Watching them do their budget you realize, they have seen brighter days and have a game plan to do better.
The two brothers were abandoned by both parents, first the mother left with her lover. Then the father left 16 year old and 13 year old to fend for themselves. But once they were a happy family eating pork chops and peas in their house which OK it had a cement backyard and trash in the front but they were out of the projects.
Despite parents just moving on with their lives, the two boys held it together. Lincoln even married for a while, he was thriving at one point hustling cards. But when his friend Lonny was killed he walked away from it and eventually he found himself sleeping in his brother’s recliner.
Boothe never really found himself, but he always has big dreams. Including getting married to Grace. More than anything he wants to learn to hustle cards like his big brother.
Parks’ words are wonderful and clearly Ed Smith has done a fine job in directing this show. However, Djore Nance as “Lincoln” and Brentom Jackson as “Booth” must bring it all to life. Neither man fails. With a look and voice inflection they convey the fear each man has of a future slipping away. The final scene is so powerful that as they returned to stage to take their bows they seem to still be impacted by the final moments of the play. I certain was.
Do not miss this show! It continues Saturdays at 3 p. m. and 8 p.m.; Sunday 8 p.m. and the final weekend April 15-17 is Friday 8 p.m., two shows on Saturday before closing Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 and it is an opportunity to experience a show that will leave you reflecting on your choices because of the fine efforts of Nance and Jackson.
