I was fortunate to work on two the amazing revivals that Signature Theatre Company did during its August Wilson Season: the impeccable Seven Guitars directed by Ruben Santiago Hudson and Two Trains Running directed by an unsung hero of American Theater, Lou Bellamy. But like many I know (and more and more I keep finding out) my favorite play of the century cycle is Joe Turner’s Come and Gone.
Saturday, I got the opportunity to see the Lincoln Center revival of Joe Turner’s Come and Gone directed by Bart Sher (who himself has been in the news for the recently announced slow departure from Intiman Theatre).
The production is an almost flawless presentation of a great play that seems utterly relevant today. The characters aching search for a place in a turbulent world has left them wandering in search of something that is probably unattainable is heart-breaking, gut-wrenching and somehow uplifting all at the same time.
That search sound familiar – wandering in hope for employment, definition, love, life and happiness?
I found that the production reached into my heart and held it with a tight grip for the entire performance.
Without question Joe Turner’s Come and Gone is a perfect fit for these turbulent times. The phenomenal company of actors that bring Wilson’s poetry to life are yet another example of why a Tony Award for Best Ensemble in a Play is long overdue. I don’t know how the Tony administration can see this show (as well as Dividing the Estate) and not see the value of such an award – maybe it would be an encouragement to producers to take the risk with shows that have more than six actors! But I digress…
The long and the short of it, Wilson was one of the greatest poets of our times as well as one of the greatest storytellers. This is one revival that everyone should go and see.
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