Shakespeare & Company, Lenox, MA
through September 8, 2019
by Shera Cohen
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Photo courtesy of Shakespeare & Co. |
“Topdog/Underdog” poses these questions between the brothers
and for the audience. All the while, Booth (performed by Deacon
Griffin-Pressley) acts like a puppy dog jumping around, literally and
figuratively, trying to be noticed by Lincoln (Bryce Michael Wood), the more
mature and steadfast of the two, yet very much a man with his own problems.
Packed with symbolism, the play’s text takes every opportunity to blatantly
pose difficulties that seem unsolvable. From the very start, the characters’
name, Booth and Lincoln, set up the action, which the audience will immediately
realize, will not end pleasantly.
Director Regge Life has staged this two-plus hour play,
equally balancing the good and bad, pros and cons, hits and misses that can
possibly make each or both brothers succeed. The director throws out tiny bits
of hope that maybe, if these brothers united it could be them against the
world. Yet, the audience knows that this is a long shot.
Griffin-Pressley portrays immaturity and bravado with a
child-like attitude. His career is that of a petty thief. He probably doesn’t
love his brother, but more importantly, he respects his skills. Wood’s
character has been there/done that and learned the hard way. While far from
perfect, he gives the straight life a try, at the same time humiliated by his
efforts.
“Topdog/Underdog” is a very good, well-written play that
sets the issues, the place, and the characters connected seamlessly to each
other. Yet, this is a play where the two actors’ talents are superior to the
script. The audience is often left questions; i.e. is Booth feigning his
involvement with Grace (an unseen character), conniving his next moves, or just
so crazed by his own impossible life that he barely exists as a real person?
Some thoughts about the set: the NYC co-op is much too large
with decent furniture; the elegant chandelier in a rundown building makes
little sense.
Note: Looking around the theatre, it was obvious that there
were few or no people of color in the audience. That is a missed opportunity;
theatre is for everyone.