Two Trains Running

inside Memphis Lee's diner 1969

It was not the worst of times but certainly not the best of times for black Americans in the mid 20^th Century. August Wilson’s Two Trains Running is part of his 10 piece Century cycle  of works.  Two Trains Running takes place in  1969 and, as with most of the other pieces, is set in the hill section of Pittsburgh.  It can be seen on the F. Otto Haas Stage of the Arden Theatre, 40 N. 2nd Street through April 10, 2016.  It begins with a narrator and the narration ebbs and flows throughout the piece.  It is the time of the civil rights movement which is revealed through projections above the stage and frequent mentions of attending a rally. There are many laugh lines peppered throughout what is basically a depressed tale for many of its down-and-out characters.  West, ( E.Roger Mitchell) the funeral director and the only wealthy man in town observed,   ”Too many people be dying from fear of life or I figure they could make something of themselves. I decided to make something of their dying.”   Memphis Lee’s diner used to be a thriving business but most of the businesses on the block have been reclaimed by “eminent domain” and his diner is the next to go.  Only a few regulars come in every day but Memphis (Johhny Hobbs Jr.) refuses to let go of it for what the government is offering him. He is determined to “fight City Hall”. Hobbs received the 2015 Barrymore Lifetime Achievement Award and he continues his quality performances.  The rest of the ensemble cast is excellent as well. Sterling (U.R.), well known to Philadelphia theatre audiences, has recently gotten out of prison and seems determined not to return, but it does not bode well for him when he cannot find a job.  Darian Dauchan, Kash Goins, Lakisha May and Damien  J. Wallace, all move in and out of the diner and interact with each other, taking numbers, giving advice, and just tryiing to survive in a white man’s world that seems stacked against them. The production is further enhanced by the extraordinarily effective work of lighting designer Xavier Pierce and sound designer Mikaal Sulaiman. For tickets to this powerful drama, call 215-922-1122, visit online at www.ardenttheatre.org. or visit the box office at 40 N. 2^nd Street in Old City, Philadelphia.

La Bête

Scott Greer and Ian Merrill Peakes

The Arden Theater Company, located at 40 N. 2^nd Street, is beginning its 2014-2015 Season with La Bête, (The Beast). It will run on the Arden's F. Otto Haas stage through October 12. Ian Merill Peakes portrays Elomire, leader of an acting troupe in Prince Conti’s court.  Scott Greer is Valere, a troubadour that the Prince (Dito van Reigersberg) wants to bring to court to join the troupe. Elomire finds Valere bombastic beyond belief and wants no part of him. In French, bête not only means “beast,” but also, “stupid or idiot”.  “Etre bête" (to be stupid) is to believe in something so much that you cannot see anything else and therefore miss the point. Thus the foundation is set for this ludicrous farce.  Scott Greer is a comic genius. He is outrageously funny. Never before have so many words conveying so little meaning been uttered so exquisitely. Non-stop laughter fills the theatre while at the same time audience members are shaking their heads in disbelief at the utter nonsense of it all. Ian Merrill Peakes gives an outstanding performance as a principled troupe leader who takes a firm stand for the integrity of his craft. Despite the Prince’s wishes, such opposing views cannot peacefully co-exist. Someone’s, perhaps everyone’s, world must collapse in the aftermath. For more information or tickets to this intriguing show which is done completely in verse, call 215-922-1122 or visit online at ardentheatre.org.