Review: FENCES is a Homerun in Tucson

When discussing August Wilson's Pulitzer-Prize and Tony Award winning play, Fences, it is most applicable to say that the Arizona Theatre Company's cast hits this poignant performance out of the park.

As one of ten of Wilson's play dealing with the African-American experience in our country, Fences revolves around the life of former baseball player turned sanitation worker, Troy Maxson (David Alan Anderson), who played in the Negro Leagues; he was too old to play in the major leagues after the breaking of the color line. As a result of such a hard life and being robbed of his dreams, a bitter Troy builds both a physical and metaphorical fence to protect himself and his family.

With Director Lou Bellamy at the helm of an incredible production, the Maxson family's story unfolds on a set designed by Vicki Smith: a worn two story house made of brick, with a front porch overlooking the process of the building in a fence around Troy's property in Pittsburgh in the 1950's. It is a set around which this ensemble of veteran actors move through the progression of the 150 minutes of high intensity ridden conflicts and frustrations.

Fences is incredibly dense, incredibly daunting, and just incredibly powerful, all of which are encompassed in Anderson's magnificent performance as the character of Troy. He embodies this man's bitterness and anger with such ease and, at the drop of a hat, can project such love for his dear wife, Rose (Kim Staunton).

Making their Arizona Theatre Company debut with this production of Fences are Terry Bellamy, playing Troy's brother, Gabriel who was injured during World War II; Edgar Sanchez as Cory, Tory's son with Rose; and Simeeyah Grace Baker (Raynell). Returning to ATC are Anderson; Staunton; James T. Alfred as Tory's first son from a previous relationship, Lyons; and Marcus Naylor as Bono, a friend Tory made while serving time. These talented actors come together with such focus to portray the tragedy of Troy Maxson's life.

Fences is a rich, rewarding experience with many powerful, deafening silent, and speechless moments, which makes for an excellent evening of theatre that Tucson audiences should not miss.

The Stonewall Foundation is the production sponsor for Fences; the Arizona Theatre Company's 2015-2016 season is sponsored by I. Michael and Beth Kasser. Fences runs until February 6th (two and a half hours, with one fifteen minute intermission), with tickets starting at $23 that can be purchased at the box office at the Temple of Music and Art (333 S. Scott Ave), via telephone at (520) 622-2823, or online at www.arizonatheatre.org. Discounted rates are available at all performances to seniors and active military members. Students can purchase tickets for $10 at all performances and half-price rush tickets are available for balcony seats one hour prior to curtain.

Following Fences will be the recent off Broadway hit, Sex with Strangers (February 11th - 21st); John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men (March 5th - 26th); and the 2015-2016 season will come to a close with Scott Carter's new play: the Gospel According to Thomas Jefferson, Charles Dickens, and Count Leo Tolstory: Discord (April 9th-30th).

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