PicksInSix Review: Toni Stone - Goodman Theatre
“…wide, tender eyes and knowing delivery.”
Ronald Keaton | Guest Contributor | PicksInSix® Review
“Why would I eat crackers in your bed?” The character of Toni Stone asks this literal question of a prospective lover, as well as other hugely unconventional issues in Lydia R. Diamond’s sparkling, creative play “Toni Stone,” now playing at the Goodman Theatre. Stone is a historic figure who infuses her world with all kinds of sociological change, being the first woman to ever play on the field in men’s professional baseball… in this case, the Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro Leagues in the 1940s and 50s.
You may ask: “Why does the world not know more about her?” That is beginning to change with this expertly-crafted memory play that maps out Stone’s path in a pleasingly helter-skelter manner, allowing for a full and articulate explanation of who she is, what she wants, and how she gets there. Doesn’t matter that it might be a tad confusing to some; that’s the nature of our memories, after all, and what they mean to our own histories. Ms. Diamond has infused Toni Stone with an unflinching, iron-clad commitment to not only the game, but how she fits into it. Her very first monologue talks of her own ‘reach’ through the ‘weight’ of the ball itself; she holds the ball for the audience as if it were her own child. And in essence, that’s how committed, singular paths make their own mark.
The wonderful Tracey N. Bonner inhabits Toni Stone with a child’s longing, a woman’s continual feist against conformity, and an athlete’s endless vision. Ms. Bonner presents someone absolutely on point in her feelings about baseball, almost obsessively so. Stone is a baseball computer; she uses her knowledge of baseball players and statistics as a salving tool in constant recitative to survive what is thrown at her on the diamond by opposing teams and, indeed, the world at large. The self-advocating side of Stone only serves to further strengthen the obvious calling that baseball was to her; Bonner offers this in wide, tender eyes and knowing delivery. This is an actor’s masterclass in fully inhabiting one’s character in a show that I would see again and again.
There is much gorgeous work here. Jon Hudson Odom as the madam Millie is not only a soothing influence on Stone; we see from the actor a total calm and command from the get-go. As Stone’s lover and eventual husband, the marvelous Chiké Johnson imbues his Alberga with a strong, yet quiet pseudo-Nick Arnstein presence for us to hold our collective breath, in his three-piece dark blue suit and habitual smooth. The supporting cast portrays a rogue’s gallery of characters – mothers, bartenders, team owners, baseball players and coaches. The fabulous ensemble – Kai A. Ealy, Joseph Aaron Johnson, Travis A. Knight, Victor Musoni, Matty Robinson, Edgar Miguel Sanchez, Terence Sims, and Jabari Khaliq – use every Diamond phrase, both intellectual and profane, to full advantage in support of the storytelling.
The impressive Todd Rosenthal set design is a suggested baseball field – in fact, the name on it was Victory Field in Indianapolis, where this writer attended games as a child. Mara Blumenfeld’s costumes are simple and excellently functional for the character changes the ensemble are assigned. Keith Parham designed soft layers in a variety of ever-moving lighting effects, effortlessly following the Toni Stone life road. Andre Pluess and his period music/sound design literally inhabits Stone’s mind as they assist to buoy the script in those memories. And Mike Tutaj once again imbues his projections with touches of elegance and documentary-like effect (“Jack’s Tavern” the on-the road landscapes for the team).
Ms. Diamond has always been a favorite writer at the Goodman, and she’s earned it – a real Chicago treasure. “Toni Stone” is among her best work. And the celebrated director Ron OJ Parson has given this play and these actors a clear, accessible and fully non-conformist track that keeps up with Ms. Bonner’s inventive and keen actor/storyteller. Everyone in this process, in fact, either is or became an expert storyteller. The fact that it all comes through one of the most inventive characters written in a long time only magnifies the quality of every creative person involved here.
GUEST CONTRIBUTOR | RONALD KEATON received an Equity Jeff Award for the performance of his one-man show CHURCHILL www.solochicagotheatre.com
PHOTO|Liz Lauren
GOODMAN THEATRE
presents
TONI STONE
through March 20
Albert Theatre
170 N. Dearborn St.
(312) 443-3800
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