Thought-provoking, Resonant, Relevant, Ambitious, Absorbing
See it if
You'd like to feel some hope for our political present & future by looking at our political past thru a remarkable & inspiring life.
Don't see it if
You dislike historical monologues, civil rights issues, history, or doubt that theatre can influence or change lives for the better.
The distance between spirit & substance may well be measured by inspiration; so it was with Adam Clayton Powell & so it is with Peter DeAnda's one-person biography of Adam, & this production at the Castillo Theatre.
Although the tech problems will likely iron out quickly, & Timothy Simonson’s voice will no doubt find its more centered strength as he relaxes into the role, the script is unfortunately more lecture than drama; missing is a strong dramatic arc or tension, & more of the elegance of its subject would be welcome.
Still, all of this is quibbling, because the flaws here pale in comparison to the importance & timely contribution of this play—especially in our present here and now—to remind us of the possible; of the fact that giants once roamed our politics, & could again. Larger than life, flawed, to be sure, but passionate, caring & effective, caring for more than their own egos, or at least using those egos to facilitate positive societal change. Adam inspires & unites; go.
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