I am a woman who loves the theater and has seen many plays in my time. Jitney is the third production I’ve seen by the Two River Theater, I can honestly say they have done it again by bringing captivating theater to the Jersey Shore.
About Jitney
Director Ruben Santiago-Hudson, who is currently starring in Stick Fly, manages to direct an excellent edition of August Wilson’s drama, Jitney.
Set in a cab station in Pittsburgh’s Hill District in the 1970s, Jitney explores a variety of black cab drivers, including the boss Becker (Chuck Cooper), the talkative and all in your business Turnbo, (Allie Woods Jr.), the alcoholic and former tailor Fielding (Anthony Chislom), the wise one Doub (James A. Williams), and the ambitious and youngest member of the group, Darnell Williams AKA Youngblood (Brandon J. Dirden)
August Wilson takes the audience on a quotidian journey as you will explore many challenges each cast members face. In particular, cab station owner Becker, is deals with both domestic and business challenges. The station is threatened to be shut down by the city for a project to expand urban development. If that isn’t enough, Becker’s son Booster (J. Bernard Calloway) returns home after doing a 20 year stint for murdering his girlfriend. The somber reunite between the two shows a father and son relationship shattered because of the son’s choices. Booster gets the answers on why his father never visited him during the two decades he spent in prison. An angry Becker tells his son his conviction led to the death of his grief-stricken mother and ultimately his ill perception of his son.
Jitney TRTC 225
August Wilson’s JITNEY
January 29, 2012 – February 19, 2012
By August Wilson
Directed by Ruben Santiago-Hudson
Two River Theatre Company
Lighting Design:Rui Rita
Set Design:Neil Patel
Costume Design: Karen Perry
© T Charles Erickson
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Each Jitney cast member captures the essence & portrayal of August Wilson’s message.
Cooper owns the part of Becker who takes much pride in his profession. Dirden is convincing as he captures Youngblood’s eager and drive to make a better life for his wife, Rena (Roslyn Ruff) and his child. The scenes between Dirden and Ruff are immensely beautiful. Chislom and Woods Jr. add great humor to their characters as well.
Besides a well put together play by a great ensemble, Neil Patel, does an incredible job with the set display. He gives the audience great detail in the station, including two classic cars in the window backdrop. The costume designer, as well, embodied nostalgia by giving the audience a sense of what people were wearing back in the 70s with well plaited Afros and bell bottom pants.
A job well done and kudos to the cast and production team of Jitney, and the incredible piece the Two River Theater has brought to the Jersey Shore.
Here are my three reasons why the tri-state area needs to see this production.
1.History – Jitney, the 8th in Wilson’s Pittsburgh Cycle, gives the audience a broad history of African-American culture in the Pittsburgh Hills District back in the 70s.
2.Great ensemble – The cast of Jitney at the Two River Theater beautifully captures the essence of each character. You will laugh, cry, and sigh right along with the cast.
3.Great Theater – The Two River Theater, located in the heart of Red Bank, brings Broadway to the Jersey Shore. Jersey Shore residents who complain about having no entertainment in your area, there is living culture right in your backyard. Get out and explore.
All in all, Jitney is a wonderful play to see. Considering the language, I wouldn’t recommend this as a family piece to see but a great date night for you and your spouse. When you go see it, tell them Unheard Voices sent you 🙂 !
Click here for more information to purchase tickets to see Jitney.
