Review: Dezart Performs' Outstanding CLYBOURNE PARK Is Successful Theatre At Every Level

It's been a long time since I've used the phrase "must see". I intentionally use it on rare occasion so it doesn't lose it's meaning and become a trite "catch phrase". I want it to signify my whole hearted and highest endorsement of a theatrical production. Dezart Performs current production of Bruce Norris' Pulitzer Prize winning play, Clybourne Park, is a MUST SEE theatrical production. It is the finest piece of ensemble acting that I have seen in the desert in four years, in both our community-based and professional companies.

Norris' play is razor sharp in both it's satire and insight. Political correctness is turned on it's ear in a torrent of brilliant, ever-acerbic dialogue. Act One is set in the 1950's as a black family moves into a solely white, middle class Chicago neighborhood. Act Two takes us forward fifty years as the now all-black neighborhood is gentrifying. The seven principle actors appear as different characters in each act, similarly pitted against each other as community members whose racial biases bubble just below the surface until they can no longer be constrained.

Michael Shaw's direction is nothing short of masterful. His thoughtful manipulation of the actors and material is, alone, worth the price of admission. It is organic and uncontrived and so emotionally engaging and appealing.

The actors are all at the top of their game. Their individual performances are all noteworthy, but it is as an ensemble that they are rather remarkable. They listen to each other. They react with emotional truth. It's everything acting is about - but is something I have found to be a rare commodity in community-based theatre. Each actor is tasked to bring the highest level of both comedic and dramatic abilities to their respective roles - and each actor succeeds to the highest degree. From Phylicia Mason's expertly crafted, comedic portrayal of the deaf, pregnant, suburban housewife Betsy, to Robert Rancano's highly nuanced and layered turns as both the clergyman, Jim, in Act One and as the gay attorney, Tom, in Act Two, to Robert Ramirez' rather unexpectedly explosive performance as both Albert and Kevin - it is a theatrical gem from curtain to curtain.

If there is a "standout" to be noted it would be David Youse who delivers an emotionally intricate and riveting performance as Russ, the grieving father who has lost his son, a veteran of the Korean War, to suicide. He displays a quiet magnetism that begs the audience to focus in on even his most minute and thoughtful reactions to the chaos breaking around him and stirring within him. It is a performance that is more about what he is thinking than what he is saying - a testament to his abilities. It is a very calculated yet never disingenuous performance.

Rob Hubler, Theresa Jewett and Desiree Clark round out the principal cast members and deliver equivalently praise-worthy performances.

Thomas Valach's scenic design, Phil Murphy's lighting design, Jim Lapides' costume design and Clark Duggar's sound design are, as always, well crafted and are immense support to the play and the overall outstanding quality of the production.

Clybourne Park has a "too brief" two weekend run, closing on January 22. Dezart Performs and this outstanding ensemble deserve an audience. For tickets or information visit www.dezartperforms.org

** Of note: Michael Shaw, Phylicia Mason, Rob Hubler and Robert Rancano are all 2017 Broadway World Award Winners for Palm Springs Theatre.