Review: SEVEN GUITARS at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre At The Warwick

Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre strums a power chord with "Seven Guitars." August Wilson's reflective play about African-American life in Pittsburg in the late 1940's is now on stage at the Warwick Theatre. Through music, drama, bickering, joking, and scheming Wilson has crafted a show that weaves a rhythmic social portrait with a movingly melodic depiction of personal transcendence. The MET's effort, directed by Karen Paisley, highlights some of the best talent in Kansas City for any ticket price.

Wilson's may be best known for his Pulitzer Prize winning plays "Fences" (1987) and "The Piano Lesson" (1990). The movie version of "Fences", starring Denzel Washington and Viola Davis, garnered multiple Academy Award nominations, including a win for Davis.

It is May 1948 and a group of friends living in the Hill District, of Pittsburg, begin to reminisce after a funeral. Through a series of flashbacks it is learned that Floyd, an ambitious young musician, has returned from a 90 day stint in jail. Floyd is eager to leave town and head back to Chicago to record another record, having had his first effort hit it big. Before leaving Floyd attempts to rekindle romance with his old love, Vera, who he wants to come with him in pursuit of stardom. Vera is reluctant to go with him since he cheated on her the last time.

As the story continues we meet five other characters and begin to learn what makes them tick. However, some things that tick can prove to be explosive. In trying to get the money to leave for Chicago Floyd resorts to desperate measures. In his desire to prove himself to Vera he intends to right his wrongs, but cannot anticipate how others will react. Appearing to have turned things around, Floyd finally seems to be on the right path, but soon comes upon misfortune once again. The characters grapple with all that has happened and struggle with feelings that everything seems set against them as they seek to move forward.

This marvelous cast of seven construct an undeniable chemistry on stage. Keenan Ramos (as Floyd "Schoolboy" Barton) packs the character with enough angst it can barely be contained. Ramos pacing is that of a wild animal anxious to burst from it's confinement as he seems to will Floyd to succeed. Shawna Pena-Downing (as Vera Dotson) is the perfect balance to Floyd as she reins in a performance that is cool and controlled. Pena-Downing lets the audience believe that opposites can attract though she is so strong that she makes it happen without giving Floyd an inch of leeway. Ramos and Pena-Downing are the perfect combination of fire and ice.

Sherri Roulette-Mosley (as Louise) allows the maternal nature of her character to nurture one after another of her neighbors. Fiercely protective of Vera and somewhat doting on Hedley (to get treatment for tuberculosis) Roulette-Mosley still works in some of the funnier elements of the show. Theodore "Priest" Hughes (as Canewell) gives Floyd's harmonica playing friend a razor sharp edge. Hughes is a massive presence on stage and is able to draw an audience in with just the raise of an eyebrow.

Robert Coppage III (as Red Carter) is Floyd's drummer and rooster whisperer. Coppage shows Red's playful side yet stands his ground when he expresses how he feels about being in the background for the "star." Alexis L. Dupree (as Ruby) doesn't arrive on the scene until late in the first act, but when she does it's with fiery sparks. Dupree captures the innocent yet seductive qualities of the character that provide insight into her motives without the dialog having to say much about it.

Granville O'Neal (as King Hedley) layers a character with about as much as is possible to cram in. Blending sinister, insane, endearing, vengeful, prophetic with a bit of voodoo tossed in, he simply wants to father a child - preferably the messiah. O'Neal may have everyone puzzled early in the show, but by the conclusion he has them mesmerized.

Why you should see this show: The ensemble performance is a master class in storytelling and character development. The production quality (set, costumes, lighting, sound) shows how well the MET is putting this vintage theatre to wonderful use.

"Seven Guitars" runs through March 9th at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre in the Warwick Theatre, 3927 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64111. There is ample parking behind the building. For tickets, call 816-569-3226. Visit www.metkc.org for more information or to purchase tickets online.

Photos courtesy of MET

To post a comment, you must register and login.