The Black Rep’s presentation of Seven Guitars is a beautiful tribute to August Wilson, the drama’s talented and celebrated playwright. It is the fifth play in Wilson’s “Century Cycle,” and the story begins in 1948, with six men and women gathering to discuss Floyd “Schoolboy” Barton’s (Kingsley Leggs) funeral.
Set in the backyard of a Pittsburgh apartment home, audiences are taken back to Floyd’s return to the city after being released from jail and serving time for a crime of “worthlessness.” From here, the events leading up to Floyd’s death play out.
In classic Wilson style, the dialogue starts off slow, building the complexities of each character and excavating the motivation at the root of their decisions.
Floyd, a gifted blues guitarist, is determined to return to Chicago to make a record in hopes of taking his career to a new level. He wants his former lover, Vera (Linda Kennedy), to go with him, including his friends Canewell (Phillip Dixon) and Red Carter (Reginald Pierre).
For Floyd, Chicago is his “promised land” – a ticket to a life where he not only has all he needs, but wants; just like “the white man.” This draws from U.S. history, as Chicago was one of the major cities African Americans journeyed to during the Great Migrations between 1910 and 1960.
Vera is hesitant to leave with Floyd and give him another chance, while her friend Louise (Cathy Simpson) constantly reminds her of why she and Floyd split. Louise’s niece Ruby (Lakesha Glover) moves from Alabama to live with her after an unfortunate turn of events stemming from a complicated romance resulted in tragedy.
Plenty of foreshadowing and irony ensue, from King Hedley’s (Ron Himes) intense, crazed rants, often about the Bible to Louise’s wise, yet funny, voice of reason. Themes of lack and abundance echo throughout the production, including the lengths that people – poor in resources, opportunity or respect – will go to ensure their needs are met. In one scene, Hedley told a story about how he killed a man for laughing and refusing to call him by his first name, “King.”
Each actor’s performance, under Ed Smith’s direction, is realistic and genuine, allowing audiences to become lost in the world of the characters. The monologues are flawless, with the right degree of pause, emotion and power. The characters’ internal and external struggles remain front and center.
Dixon, who is studying for his bachelor of arts at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, was leisurely, harmonious and likeable as Canewell.
Kennedy, an award-winning actor, is a graceful, quiet, assertive and attractive Vera – who knows who she is and what she wants.
Leggs’ (a Broadway veteran who grew up in St. Louis and got his start at The Black Rep) portrayal of Floyd as a man committed to getting what he wants at all costs, regardless of what it takes for him to get it, adequately depicts a twisted “rags to riches” American Dream ideal, which repeatedly falls short.
Simpson, also an award-winning actor, is concerned, honest and witty as Louise, who always tells the truth through humor.
Costume designer Michael Alan Stein further reveals each character through their expressive dresses, suits, prints, accessories and shoes, presenting a glimpse into the ’40s.
In Wilson fashion, the production offers a glimpse into life as a black man or woman in America. It analyzes mistrust of doctors, segregation, mental illness and race in society, while offering a history lesson.
The Black Rep did an outstanding job encapsulating the rawness, familiarity and hope of Wilson’s work. It is a powerful play, meaningful for the past, present and future.
Performances of Seven Guitars at the Emerson Performance Center (Harris-Stowe University) run through April 23. Show times are Wednesday and Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.
Tickets for Seven Guitars at the Emerson Performance Center are on sale now online at The Black Rep, by calling (314) 534-3807, or in person at The Black Rep Box Office.
Sharee Silerio is a St. Louis-based freelance writer, Film and TV writer-producer and blogger. When she isn’t creating content for The Root or Curly Nikki, she enjoys watching drama/sci-fi/comedy movies and TV shows, writing faith and self-love posts for SincerelySharee.com, relaxing with a cup of chai tea, crafting chic DIY event décor, and traveling. Review her freelance portfolio at ShareeSilerio.com then connect with her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
