“Two Trains Running” At Court By Anna Hessel

“Two Trains Running” At Court

By Anna Hessel

 

Court Theatre’s exemplary production of the Pulitzer Prize and Tony nominated play “Two Trains Running”, set in my hometown of Pittsburgh, PA, circa 1969, showcases the genius of one of my favorite playwrights, August Wilson.  This is brilliantly directed by Court resident artist Ron “OJ” Parson – anything Mr. Parson touches turns to gold.  This theatrical work chronicles life in the Steel City’s Hill District as the turbulent 60’s come to a close.

Jack Magaw’s scenic design is precisely detailed, complete with vintage Steelers pennants, a period Pirates calendar, photos of the beloved icon Roberto Clemente, a chalkboard with the day’s specials such as meatloaf with two sides, chicken, or the “house specialty” of bean, and cornbread, and community bulletin board decorating the water stained walls.  Black and white concert posters hang above an old-fashioned jukebox by the requisite red vinyl booths; a period cash register on the counter and filmy windows overlook a realistic city street, complete with mailbox and demolition rubble framing the stage perimeter, which invites the audience into the restaurant where all of the action takes place.  I could practically taste the Heinz ketchup in the plastic squeeze bottles adorning the tables, smell the aroma from the Clark Bar plant, and one could almost hear the shift change at the J&L Steel Mill.  For the duration of the show, I was back in Pittsburgh.

The acting is simply stellar – strong dramatic moments, infused with spot-on humor.  In the role of Sterling is the enormously talented Jeff Award-winning Jerod Haynes; the South Side Chicago native, who was educated at the British American Drama Academy, gives his role extreme depth, vulnerability, and authenticity.  Sterling is a handsome young man trying to find his way and make money in a turbulent world.  A dance scene between him and the put-upon waitress Risa is rather poignant, with sensual innocence that is difficult to capture onstage but they accomplish this flawlessly.  Mr. Hayne’s final action, which brought the play to a close, was so powerfully executed, the audience was immediately on their feet.

Creating the character of Hambone is Cleveland, OH, native Joseph Primes – Joseph gives one of the finest performances I have seen in a live theater to date.  His portrayal of a metally challenged individual avoided any stereotypical traps, playing Hambone with verisimilitude and sincerity.  A.C. Smith as Memphis gives a fabulous performance – he is a true master and no stranger to the works of August Wilson.  His monologue about the title “Two Trains Running” sets the show’s flavor with zeal and passion.  Memphis owns the soon-to-be demolished dive, and we see his character play out a broad range of emotions and personality traits.

Wolf is brought to life by Ronald L. Conner – his comedic timing is perfect, especially when he casually depicts his character’s love of sugar.  Wolf is a snazzy dresser, who uses the diner’s telephone to run his numbers business, much to the chagrin of Memphis.  Mr. Conner never overplays his part – his representation is outstanding.  Alfred H. Wilson, in the role of Holloway, a Hill District patriarch in his mid-60’s, acts the part consistently, with remarkable sensibility and pragmatism.  Cedric Young, as the venal undertaker West, is precise and believable – West demands sugar for his coffee which he never uses, a pie-loving pillar of the community that can’t be trusted.

The only female cast member, the beautiful and charming Kierra Bunch, as the long suffering waitress Risa, is absolutely fabulous.  Her very method performance carries through even when she is in the kitchen, located off the main stage.  Risa is a strong woman of faith who harbors an emotional disorder, and Ms. Bunch characterizes her as a loveable underdog, caring and pragmatic.

No review of this production of “Two Trains Running” would be complete without a very positive mention of the work of costume designer Christine Pascual, sound designer Andre Pluess, and lighting designer Brandon Wardell.  This magnificent theatrical work is a blessing to anyone who watches it.  Don’t miss the magic – these “Two Trains…” will only run through June 12th; for tickets or more information, see their website at www.courttheatre.org.

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