I’ve been a theater tear for the past two weeks…well not really a tear, maybe a rip. Thanks to Andrea Gardenhire with the Alliance Theatre to bless me with passes to the August Wilson play, Radio Golf. August Wilson, one of the great playwrights of our time crafted a two part series, Gem of the Ocean and Radio Golf as his last offering, and the Alliance Theatre presented it in grand fashion. Here are the descriptions taken from the Alliance Website: http://www.alliancetheatre.org/performance.aspx?id=3390
About Gem of the Ocean:
An evocative story of redemption and renewal, Gem of the Ocean is set against the legacy of emancipation in 1904 Pittsburgh. Here, the legendary Aunt Ester's home at 1839 Wylie Street in the Hill District is an almost magical haven for new possibilities. But her resources are tested when a handsome young man named Citizen Barlow migrating north from Alabama arrives, fleeing a dangerous past.About Radio Golf:
Radio Golf brings audiences to Pittsburgh in 1997 into the heart of a political campaign that is challenging what kind of future the city will build. Harmond Wilks, a successful real estate entrepreneur, is primed to become the city's first black mayor. This, his destiny, comes head-to-head with his heritage when he discovers the run down house at 1839 Wylie Street he must demolish to achieve a dream of urban renewal is the very same home where Aunt Ester once lived.
Award winning directors, Kenny Leon and Kent Gash, brought their A game to the stage in directing the same cast transforming between two sets. I only had the chance to see Radio Golf, but definitely want to go back and see Gem of the Ocean to see how it all ties together. Radio Golf highlighted a lot of the struggles that blacks in America face (no pun on CNN) holding true to our families vs. climbing the economic ladder. A lot of truth is said in jest, so the dialogue was pertinent while still being entertaining. The plays will be running through September 28th at the Alliance Theatre. Time is running short! Don’t delay this “gem” of a treat. And remember, what would nightlife be without Cocktails?