Review: DEAD DOG PARK at 59E59 – An Excellent Pointed Play About Racial Tension

"No longer will we tolerate justice for the status quo."

-DEAD DOG PARK

Now is the time to see DEAD DOG PARK, an excellent piece of theater that will be on the 59E59 Theaters stage through Sunday, March 6th. This poignant drama explores the subjects of police brutality and racial tensions. With a superbly written script by Barry Malawer and extraordinary direction by Eric Tucker, the play's talented cast will keep you throughly captivated.

Dead Dog Park is an urban project area where a white officer, Rob McDonald is accused of pushing a 13 year old African-American youth, Tyler out of the four-story window during a police chase. McDonald claims that he was attempting to save the teen and asks his partner, Officer Ricky Romero to vouch for him. But Romero refuses because he did not witness the incident. McDonald's life is totally upended including the relationship with his wife, Angela. Tyler's mother, Sharonne wants justice for her seriously injured son. As a single mother, struggling to make ends meet, she employs the assistance of the slick, experienced attorney, John Jones to represent Tyler at trial. There are many uncertainties in determining guilt. Tyler, who has no memory of the event, was truant from school and has a police record. Officer McDonald has a hot temper and was known to use racial slurs. John Jones is an aggressive attorney who pushes for big monetary awards. As the case enters into trial, there's a lot at stake for all of the individuals involved in the tragic circumstances.

The six person cast includes Migs Govea as Ricky Romero, Tom O'Keefe as Rob McDonald, Ryan Quinn as John Jones, Eboni Flowers as Sharonne Chapin, Susannah Millonzi as Angela McDonald, and Jude Tibeau as Tyler Chapin. They master the emotionally charged scenes that provide a rare, insider's view of the people affected by a high-profile, controversial event. The remarkable acting talents of this troupe bring the story to full life with fast-paced, perfectly timed dialogue.

The Creative Team has done a great job of bringing DEAD DOG PARK to the stage with set design by John McDermott, costume design by Whitney Locher and lighting design by Joyce Llao. The Assistant Director is Emily Lyon, the Production Stage Manager is Tori Sheehan and the Assistant Stage Manager is Nicole Kuker.

DEAD DOG PARK presents multiple perspectives of a complex social issue that has taken center stage in America's news cycles and political debates. It is a play that should be seen by everyone to encourage an essential discourse about civil rights.

Boz and The Bard Productions, Inc., Sola Lupa Productions, LLC and Sharon Perl in Association with Bedlam are producing DEAD DOG PARK at 59E59 Theaters. The show runs for approximately 70 minutes with no intermission. The theater is located at 59 East 59th Street (between Park and Madison Avenues) New York, NY 10022. Showtimes are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:15, Friday at 8:15, Saturday at 2:15 and 8:15, and Sunday at 3:15 and 7:15. Tickets may be purchased by phone by calling 212.279.4200 and online at www.59E59.org.

Follow the theater on social media at facebook, twitter, instagram and twitter and join the conversation using #DeadDogPark.

Photo Credit: Ashley Garrett

To post a comment, you must register and login.