Goodman Theatre presents BUST, An Afrocurrentist Play.
What happens when a black person is pulled over by the police? A lot of times, they are harassed, beaten or shot. Playwright Zora Howard, a Pulitzer Prize finalist, explores a provocative alternative. In her unique tale, she imagines centuries of ancestral oppression and years of racism uncorking enough pent-up rage to ‘bust’ into a different life. Howard conjures up a captivating story. She illustrates the hardship of facing subtle, brutal and potentially fatal prejudice. Howard utilizes ordinary characters, real life scenarios and extraordinary results. BUST showcases the possibility of the evolution of thought.
Under the masterful direction of Lileana Blain-Cruz, this show dazzles from the start. Scenic Designer Matt Saunders’ high-rise balcony impresses immediately. The authentic look sets it above ground with lawn furniture and a grill. Later, it slides back and opens up to a lived-in, living room. Saunders’ other colorful sets also seamlessly glide side to side, back and forth. This allows Blain-Cruz to keep the story moving at a riveting pace. On this real-to-life balcony, Caroline Stefanie Clay (Retta) kicks off the show with a hilarious monologue. *Her cell phone oration is worth the price of a ticket …it’s that good! * Clay is sublime as her nonsensical gossip pivots into a riveting narration of a crime in progress. With their own snarky sidebars, Ray Anthony Thomas (Reggie) and Cecil Blutcher (Trent) join her in witnessing an unexpected event. (I’m trying to remain vague for readers to have an amazing experience without a lot of preconception.)
Blain-Cruz has a first-class ensemble. They are all so believable! The nasty, trigger-hungry Mark Bedard (white cop) and the new-to-town, father of five Jorge Luna (POC cop) confront each other about what happened and happens next. Bedard’s warp sense of righteousness accelerates the edginess. Blutcher with his classmates (Bernard Gilbert, Victoria Omoregie, Ivan Cecil Walks, Renika Williams-Blutcher) are playfully animated until an uptight teacher (played by Caitlin Hargraves) needlessly escalates a problem. Walks, in particular, delivers plenty of laughs with his wacky ideas and erratic energy.
As serious as the underlying messages are, Howard keeps her play hopeful and even joyful. The charismatic Blutcher and earnest Keith Randolph Smith (Mr. Woods) ponder past aggressions and future choices. Their interactions are promisingly tender. Meanwhile over at Retta’s house, Clay, Thomas, Gilbert, Omoregie, Walks, Williams-Blutcher are making some noise and stomping for change. They become a beautiful community of purpose after Clay says, ‘if anyone asks, you’re all my kids.’ So, much to love about BUST!
BUST intrigues on multiple levels. The writing, directing and acting is superb! It’s gut-busting funny, cringe-worthy disconcerting and heart-tugging uplifting. The experience is a roller coaster of emotion right thru the gasp-worthy ending. This is a show like no other with life-changing ideas. See it! Believe it! Manifest it! ….Bust!
Running Time: Two hours and five minutes includes an intermission.
At Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn
Written by Zora Howard
Directed by Lileana Blain-Cruz
Performances are:
Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 PM
Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 PM
Thru May 18th
For more information or tickets
Production photos by Hugo Hentoff and Justin Barbin
For more Chicago theatre information and reviews, please visit Theatre in Chicago