Echo Times

Issue date: 10/17/05 Section: A&E

Media Credit: Joshua Samuels Director Allen Taylor works with the cast of "Fences" during the dress rehearsal.

The less than half-filled theatre at the opening night of the drama department's presentation of "Fences" was by no way a reflection of the cast's talent. The debut performance of August Wilson's prize-winning play was a captivating peek at the life of an African American family living in the 1950s-middle-American-urban-community.
James Brooks gave a spirited performance in his portrayal of the lead character, Troy Maxon, a father and husband just trying to get by the only way he knows how, despite his lack of formal education. In the face of his efforts to be the husband and father he knows he should be, Maxon finds himself falling short, which ultimately resulted in two failed marriages. Brooks did an effective job of portraying the lead characters frustration with life.
The role of Cory, Maxon's son, was played by Jonathan Smothers with a vigor matching the performance of Brooks. The explosive relationship between Cory and his father, created by differing opinions surrounding Cory's post-high school graduation plans, made for the play's most powerful moments.
Also worth a mention was Fabian Herd's portrayal of Gabriel, Maxon's brother who, after being shot in the head in World War II, is left in a diminished mental state. In his portrayal of this endearing character, Herd proves himself a talented character actor.
If any fault is to be found with the performance, it is with IrisDiaz's portrayal of Rose, Maxon's wife. Diaz's performance, although well done for the most part, falls short at the beginning of act two when Maxon confesses to Rose an extra-marital affair that has led to the conception of a illegitimate child. Diaz's performance lacked the emotional depth necessary for such a pivotal scene.
Ronald Krempetz designed the perfectly quintessential 1950s home exterior complete with front porch, a tree in the front yard and a baseball bat leaning against an old wooden crate. Put all this together with a choice of jaunting golden oldies played between scenes and it made for an evening well spent and a fitting tribute to the playwright, August Wilson, who lost his battle with liver cancer on October 2.

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