…what the end will be
Roundabout Theatre Company
Laura Pels Theatre
June 10, 2022
Photo courtesy of
Roundabout Theatre Company
Playwright Mansa Ra’s …what the end will be
is a tender story about family love, acceptance, and letting go. His characters are truthful, honest, and
relatable. Under the direction of Margot
Bordelon, poignant moments blossom out of stressful confrontations. The Roundabout Theatre Company production is perfectly
cast and beautifully realized.
Maxwell Kennedy (played by Emerson Brooks) spared no expense preparing his home for his father, Bartholomew Kennedy (played by Keith Randolph Smith), to move in as he faces the final stages of his cancer diagnosis. Max’s partner, Charles (played by Randy Harrison), is not there to welcome him, but his son, Tony (played by Gerald Caesar), is overjoyed to see his grandfather. Max and Tony realize what is ahead for them when the visiting nurse, Chloe (played by Tiffany Villarin), reviews Mr. Kennedy’s medication schedule. When Tony’s boyfriend, Antoine (played by Ryan Jamaal Swain), is caught sneaking out of Tony’s room, he realizes it is time to come out to his father and grandfather. “Well the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” proclaims Mr. Kennedy, who is deeply missing his partner, who passed away recently. The fears and deep issues of these three men start to surface, yet due to the aggressive progression of Mr. Kennedy's illness, their time to face and resolve them is limited.
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| Gerald Caesar & Emerson Brooks Photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company |
are all very well drawn out, with rich family histories and cultural roots that both unite and divide them. They clearly share great love, yet their sense of acceptance is urgently put to the test. Mr. Ra takes these characters to the breaking point, then creates a clear path for them to travel forward.
Gerald Caesar & Keith Randolph Smith
Photo courtesy of
Roundabout Theatre Company
Emerson Brooks is stubborn and set in his ways as
Maxwell Kennedy. As his son, Tony,
Gerald Caesar is both optimistic and aware of the limitations of his father’s
expectations. The scenes between these
two gifted actors are complex and captivating. Keith
Randolph Smith is funny, free, and determined as Bartholomew Kennedy. The character has accepted his fate, and Mr.
Smith plays every moment with joy and conviction. Randy Harrison portrays Charles as the voice
of reason, wanting so much to keep the family together, yet has serious challenges
to face in his relationship with Max.
Randy Jamaal Swain is a blast of vivid color and fresh air as Antoine. He also shows the character’s serious,
no-nonsense point of view.
…what the end will be is playing at the Laura Pels Theatre through July 10. It is a poignant and touching story, well directed, with a superb cast. It will truly move you!
Domenick Danza
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