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It’s Reagan-era 1980’s in the working class Hill District of Pittsburgh when a young, African-American man, King, returns home after seven years in prison for murder. Home is the house he was raised in by his great aunt while his mother was away, working as a singer. He lives there with his wife, Tonya, his estranged mother who has returned, and welcoming him home is neighbor and spiritualist, Stool Pigeon, and his best friend, Mister. King is furiously trying to plant seeds in the ground, both literally and figuratively, as he tries to make his way in the world with the current American system stacked against him.
Veralyn Jones and Kacie Rogers in King Hedley II at A Noise Within.
King Hedley II is the 9th of August Wilson’s ten-play American Century Cycle that explores the African-American experience in each decade of the 20th century in America – mostly in Pittsburgh. A Noise Within has recently produced three more of the cycle; “Gem of the Ocean’, “Seven Guitars”, and “Radio Golf”. Some characters reappear in several of the plays, and most interestingly in this one, the 366 year-old community spiritual advisor, Aunt Ester, the main character of “Gem of the Ocean”, who has just died.
As with the previous three Wilson plays, this one is powerfully directed by Gregg T. Daniel. The cast is insanely talented led by Aaron Jennings as King. Jennings gives an explosive performance as a man whose anger and frustration seem to be always simmering just under the surface. From the first scene, Jennings gives you the sense that, given all he has been through, that making it on the outside is not going to be an easy road. ANW audiences will recognize the luminous Veralyn Jones from her dynamic performance in “Gem of the Ocean”. She is riveting in her layered performance here as King’s mother, Ruby.
When Ben Cain arrives as Ruby’s long lost love, Elmore, he brings an energy and excitement to the proceedings as a key to both Ruby’s past and, most importantly, King’s. Cain is so charismatic on stage, infusing the story with some much needed levity. Christian Henley also has great comedic moments as the fast-talking neighborhood pal, Mister. Kacie Rogers brings a sensuality mixed with a world-weariness beyond her years to the role of King’s wife, Tonya, and Gerald Rivers brings dignity and poignancy to the old man, Stool Pigeon, who acts as a memory keeper and connection to the ancestors and old ways.
The play is long – roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes. And one wonders, if Wilson was still with us, if this play would not have been reshaped and perhaps cut down a bit. As a story, it is intriguing but never quite lifts off the ground and leaves a couple of storylines unresolved. But the beautifully lit and designed production is worth seeing for the performances. This cast is staggeringly strong and Daniel elicits fierce performances that are captivating.
King Hedley II runs through April 28 at A Noise Within is located at 3352 E Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107. King Hedley II is recommended for ages 14 and up. For more information and to purchase tickets, call (626) 356–3100 or go to www.anoisewithin.org.
