PicksInSix Review: East Texas Hot Links - Court Theatre
Articulate, Impactful ‘East Texas Hot Links’
PicksInSix® Review | Guest Contributor | Ronald Keaton
There is a stellar production of Eugene Lee’s signature play “East Texas Hot Links” playing now at Court Theatre in Chicago through September 29. It is an articulate, impactful play that echoes in one’s mind long after the curtain comes down in its eloquent and painful comment on the remnants of the civil rights movement in America, how it continues to resonate and affect so many of our societal mores. It bears the unmistakable stamp of the great director Ron OJ Parson, who has a relationship with this piece that forces us, in its sheer professionalism alone, to see an unencumbered view of what Jim Crow has done to our world and continues to do today.
Imagine the mid-1950s in the South—in this case, east Texas—at a small café/saloon back in the “piney woods.” We are privy to a group of folks who all know each other, whose familiarity is not just palpable, it’s vital for the telling of this story. And this production offers one of the finest presentations of true ensemble acting we will ever see. The intimate banter, the intuitive approaches in character, the story’s roadmap that is laid out for the cast, enhancing each actor’s planting of their artistic feet by literally grabbing and shaking us. It’s as hard as anything we may have seen in recent seasons at Court. And it’s all couched in, yes, the love that people can have for each other by pointing out the bad and raising high the good in us.
This cast. The play begins with Kelvin Roston Jr., a Court favorite, as Roy, a man whose checkered past (a trait shared by others here) has made him look at starting over in a more productive way. He’s always had a huge attraction for the owner/bartender Charlesetta (a glowing AnJi White), who keeps him and all the men in the bar constantly at bay. There’s Adolph (Willie B. in a strong portrayal), a blind philosopher of sorts whose gravitas helps steer the conversation. Beside him at his table is Columbus (Alfred H. Wilson is a compelling influence) whose ownership of property gives him a more telling voice.
There’s the formidable AC Smith whose hustler/fortune teller Broochie dominates the story halfway through by a simple reading of the palm of Delmus (a naïve young man given wonderful shrift by David Dowd), a kid with big dreams and plans. Then there’s Buckshot (a dark and yet emotionally delicate performance by Geno Walker) who’s just gotten out of jail and simply trying to find his way. And there’s Juwan Lockett in a defining portrayal as XL, a man whose instinct for survival overpowers his sense of decency and responsibility to his friends and family.
Little by little, the silence at the beginning of the play—one that is held to observe for a reason—gives way to exchanges between characters that make you listen to the words, other times to their rhythms, all the time to the presence and power of the voices. With the specter of the Klan exerting power all through it, director Parson deftly handles the intensity with the skill of a surgeon. This kind of story telling is indeed his specialty and it’s marvelous to watch. And it’s a simple, highly effective Jack Magaw set design, this small tavern that offers big story. It’s highly complimented by a soft, layered lighting design from Jason Lynch.
Let us also remember that the setting and locale for “East Texas Hot Links” lives in the wake of Brown vs. Board of Education and Emmitt Till and Rosa Parks and the emergence of MLK in the public eye. This is not just Black history, but American history, no matter any regard for political expedience. These characters are etched so well within these creative walls by Mr. Lee, an August Wilson disciple and accomplished actor/writer in his own right, and expertly guided by Mr. Parson to the ultimate surprise at the end of the play. Well, unfortunately not a surprise to all, as you will see.
GUEST CONTRIBUTOR | RONALD KEATON received an Equity Jeff Award for the performance of his one-man show CHURCHILL. www.solochicagotheatre.com Coming soon, his new solo play “Echo Holler.” www.echoholler.com
PHOTO|Michael Brosilow
COURT THEATRE
presents
East Texas Hot Links
5535 S Ellis Ave.
through September 29, 2023
PROGRAM
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