Review: Pioneer Theatre Company's FENCES is Layered

The production of FENCES currently playing at Pioneer Theatre Company is both literally and figuratively layered and lived in.

FENCES is a classic drama by August Wilson that was recently adapted into a film starring Denzel Washington and Viola Davis. It centers on the life of trash collector Troy Maxson and how his actions create strained relationships with his family, including his wife, brother, and children.

The performances, coaxed from the splendid Equity actors by director Timothy Douglas, are raw and fascinating. Although a number of line flubs occurred throughout the reviewed performance, the emotional heft of the material and the way in which it was presented made this forgivable.

Michael Anthony Williams gives an intriguing leading performance as Troy Maxson. Gayle Samuels as his wife, Rose, is every bit his match and is especially compelling in her emotional Act II moments.

The supporting roles are all filled phenomenally by actors who give great life to their characters: Jeorge Bennett Watson as Bono, Biko Eisen-Martin as Lyons, Jefferson A. Russell as Gabriel, and Jimmie "J.J." Jeter as Cory. Local child actor Meg Hoglund is also very cute as Raynell.

The costume design by Brenda Van der Wiel and hair and makeup by Amanda French evoke the 1950s Pittsburgh setting well, and the lighting design by Michael Gilliam is subtle and effective.

The scenic design by Tony Cisek is stunning, stunning, stunning. Its centerpiece is the nearly full-sized exterior of a weathered two-story brick home, placed beside a similarly verisimilitudinous tall, gnarled tree. Both are nestled among large dirt hills with a cement staircase nearby and bricks and lumber scattered across the yard. It looks real and lived in, just like the characters.

FENCES plays through January 21, 2017. For tickets, call the box office at 801-581-6961 or visit www.pioneertheatre.org.

Photo Credit: L-R Gayle Samuels (Rose) and Michael Anthony Williams (Troy)

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