Deonna Bouye, Michael Place & Deirdre Madigan. Photo by Sandy Underwood.
Presented by Cincinnati’s Playhouse in the Park, panelists state this is “an important play in the American drama canon and the Playhouse production brought the rich script to life. In dialogue with (American classic drama) “A Raisin in the Sun,” the play takes us from the Younger family straight to the owners of the house they bought in Clybourne Park. It imagines what conversations that neighbor Karl would say to the white family in convincing them not to sell to a family color. The second act takes us 50 years later when the neighborhood has been integrated, and is now on the cusp of yuppie white gentrification. The script charts many important conversations about race, integration, and racism, but it does so while couching it with humor.”
Another panelist agrees: “The entire ensemble works together to create an uncomfortable, moving, thoughtful piece of theatre that will stay with me for a long time. This is a great play.”
Of special note is actress Deonna Bouye who plays both Francine in the first act and Lena in the second act. She has “quiet energy, great listening, great reactions and great timing.”
Panelists are impressed with the set by Tony Cisek, who created a believably comfortable home, which becomes ravaged by time and neglect.
“Clybourne Park,” which was written by Bruce Norris, won the Tony Award for Best Play of 2012. It runs through February 16 in the Playhouse’s Robert S. Marx Theatre. For more information or tickets for “Clybourne Park” go to www.cincyplay.com or call 513-421-3888.
League of Cincinnati Theatre panelists evaluate productions on a 5 star scale and recommend shows at either a 4 star or 5 star level. Nominations for LCT awards will be determined and announced at the end of the season and winners awarded at the annual LCT gala in the spring.
The League of Cincinnati Theatres was founded in 1999 to strengthen, nurture and promote Cincinnati’s theatre community. LCT provides its member companies and individual members with education, resources and services to enhance the quality and exposure of the theatre community in Cincinnati and increase community awareness, attendance and involvement. More information about the League can be found at www.leagueofcincytheatres.com.
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