Review: THURGOOD Spreads Hope at Theatrical Outfit

Most shows that come along seek to wow you with their large sets, extravagant costumes, and catchy dance numbers. But every so often, there comes a play that engages you with simple, honest acting, and a story filled with truth and hope. Thurgood is one such play.

Thurgood, by George Stevens Jr., is a one-man production that tells the story of Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American Supreme Court Justice. Directed by Eric J. Little and starring Geoffrey D. Williams, Theatrical Outfit's Thurgood is personal, enlightening, and truthful.

Williams had the audience enraptured from the moment he stepped onto the stage, to the moment he stepped off 90 minutes later. It was almost like one big conversation with the audience. They were very responsive, and Williams had them in the palm of his hand. From feeling the intensity of the serious court room scenes, to laughing at the various quirks of his colleagues, to rejoicing at the victory oF Brown v. Board of Education, the audience experienced every moment of Thurgood's story right along with him.

But Thurgood is more than just a great story, it's historical truth. The reality that this a real man and that these are real issues was apparent to all in the audience. The fresh take on Marshall's life allowed for reflection as we look at what happened in the past in order to move forward with our future.

Thurgood is a night of reflection. To see the man in the flesh made history come alive. I was privileged to attend on opening night where Cecilia Marshall, Thurgood's granddaughter, was in attendance. It was a diverse audience, with young, old, black, and white all gathered to ponder the rights the Thurgood stood for. On the way out I overheard some older audience members recalling their own experiences related to Thurgood. As part of Theatrical Outfit's season of hope, it was encouraging to see that the work of this one man was not temporary, but that his influence continues to touch and inspire people even now.

So whether this is your first experience with Thurgood Marshall or this will be a walk down memory lane, I urge you to come out and see this show as a part of the season of hope at Theatrical Outfit. With our nation's election right around the corner, it is important now more than ever to gain an understanding of our past and how it relates to our future.

Thurgood runs until October 16th at Theatrical Outfit. For more information or to buy tickets for this Suzi Recommended show, visit http://www.theatricaloutfit.org/shows/thurgood/. And to catch their Downtown Dialogue with more discussion about the themes in the show on October 9th, go to https://theatricaloutfitpressroom.prezly.com/theatrical-outfit-presents-downtown-dialogue-oct-9-the-state-of-racial-equality-and-justice-today.

Photo Credit: Theatrical Outfit

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