Thoughts of a Colored Man

 Thoughts of a Colored Man
Golden Theatre
October 2, 2021

Photo courtesy of Thoughts of a Colored Man

In Thoughts of a Colored Man, playwright Keenan Scott II takes a deep and insightful look into the hearts and minds of seven unique characters.  Their direct address is full of profound prose and dazzling verse that enlighten the audience with their unique perspective.  They debate, argue, and concur about their community, their heritage, and their upbringing.  Director Steve H. Broadnax III has given these seven amazing actors the room to explore and the freedom to dive deeply into their creative souls to deliver phenomenal performances. 

The Cast 
Photo courtesy of Thoughts of a Colored Man

Dyllón Burnside plays Love.  He speaks in rich, romantic verse that stirs the heart and pulses through the stars.  Bryan Terrell Clark plays Happiness with a smile and openness that brightens the stage.  When his inner conflicts rise, he faces them with acceptance and vigor.  Esau Pritchett plays Wisdom, and he gives it selflessly, sharing his compassionate support with all the men with whom he comes in contact.  Da’Vinchi plays Lust with innocent charm and persistent smoothness.  He and his best friend Love (played by Dyllón Burnside) make a well balanced pair.  Not always in agreement, but always in sync.  Tristan Mack Wilds plays Anger.  He is driven and focused, with a backstory that will break your heart.  Luke James plays Passion, singing to the stars and welcoming his first born son into the world with unconditional love.  Forrest McClendon plays Depression.  His lines open the show.  He grabs the audience’s attention and never lets go.  His perfect comic timing is topped only by his poignant moments of truthful introspection. 

Photo courtesy of Thoughts of a Colored Man

Thoughts of a Colored Man is a uniquely structured play, intertwining the realistic stories of these characters with their inner thoughts and honest perspectives.  Each character speaks in their own distinct rhythm, which allows them to merge and blend in thematic harmony.  The seven skilled actors in this ensemble deliver performances that are not to be missed.

Thoughts of a Colored Man is playing at the Golden Theatre.  Get a ticket today! 

Domenick Danza

Curse of the Starving Class

Curse of the Starving Class

Signature Theatre

The Pershing Square Signature Center

April 26, 2019

Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

The Signature Theatre production of Sam Shepard’s Curse of the Starving Class packs a powerful punch.  Terry Kinney directs a stark and brutal rendition of this 1976 play that is highly relevant today.  Scenic design by Julian Crouch is creative and unique.  It is highly reflective of the inner turmoil of the characters.  The atmosphere is enhanced through lighting by Natasha Katz and sound design and original music by Rob Milburn and Michael Bodeen. 

Emma (played by Lizzy Declement) figured a way to sell her house and property without the signature of her husband, Weston (played by David Warshofsky).  Her son Wesley (played by Gilles Geary) and daughter Ella (played by Maggie Siff) are very upset about this decision, but they are desperate and starving.  There is no food in the refrigerator.  Neither of them trusts Taylor (played by Andrew Rothenberg), the lawyer that has hooked up with Emma.  When they find out their father has already sold the property to Ellis (played by Esau Pritchett) for an extremely low amount of money to pay off his debts, Ella goes on a violent rampage and Wesley fights to get it back.  There is nothing this family can do to escape the curse that has been handed down to them for generations.

The cast of Curse of the Starving Class
Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

The actions of the play are viciously over the top, and this cast convincingly plays them as realistically as possible.  The second act has a few turns that build to a visceral explosion of events and emotions.  These characters are trapped, and Mr. Shepard’s message forcefully hits home.

Curse of the Starving Class has been extended at the Pershing Square Signature Center through June 2.

Domenick Danza