Review: EL DORADO’S GOLD at The Bridge Initiative And Simply Livin’ Productions
The production runs through May 10th at ASU Kerr in Scottsdale, AZ.
Black cowboys and the Black rodeo have a rich history that continues to this day. Although this side of history was not acknowledged in the way it deserved to be, EL DORADO’S GOLD is a great tribute to Black cowboy culture. EL DORADO’S GOLD touches on so many topics, from the history of the Fulani tribe to multi-generational family relationships to what it truly means to be a cowboy.
The play centers around the Callahan family, who have run El Dorado Ranch for generations. It follows Tucker Callahan (John Pene) as he returns home after several years of competing in the white rodeo. From the start, the audience is introduced to a large cast of characters, each with their own dynamic. Tucker’s mother, Ann (Candace Claiborn), and her brother, Tucker’s uncle, Uncle Buck (Roosevelt Watts), run the ranch with the help of Buck’s daughter, Tillie (Khaelan Crank), and several ranch hands. When Tucker returns, Ann informs him that his brother Jeeter (Gabriel Howell) is no longer making music. It quickly becomes clear that Tucker and Jeeter’s relationship is strained because of something that happened before Tucker left, and that Jeeter has been neglecting his duties on the farm due to his struggles. Meanwhile, Lisa (Tiffany Gordon), a reporter for a magazine, visits the farm to write a story about it, and Ann prepares for her rodeo party. Tensions quickly arise between Tucker and Jeeter as Tucker adapts to being back on the farm.
While the play follows Tucker, the story really began with his great-grandfather on his father’s side, Big Papa Callahan (David Logan), who founded the ranch. Despite having died many years prior to the setting of the play, he is present through the letters he wrote to Tucker before his death. These letters give viewers a glimpse into the history of El Dorado Ranch and the true history of Black cowboys. His addition helps make the ranch come to life, helping make the multi-generational dynamic feel believable.
This play is very ambitious in its dynamics and themes. While history and family are the primary themes present, feminism, religion, and romance are also addressed to varying degrees. It attempts to do a lot, and while very successful at doing so, the run time does feel long. By presenting characters from the family on both Tucker’s mother’s and father’s side, and employees at the ranch, there are numerous relationships to keep up with. This could have been confusing, but the playwright and director Sonja Camille did a great job at making these dynamics clear and easy to follow. There is never a moment of confusion, and all the themes addressed fit in well.
Sibling dynamics are at the heart of the show. Despite Tucker and Jeeter providing the primary conflict, the dynamic between Ann and Buck adds another layer to the importance of siblings. How siblings and family dynamics in general are presented in the play feels very thoughtful. While watching Tucker and Jeeter, although they struggle to get along, both actors portrayed the want for normalcy behind all the disharmony very well.
Every actor did a great job, and the chemistry between the whole cast was very evident. The sense of community among the characters on the ranch seemed very real. The energy in certain moments felt contagious. One dance scene with Tillie and the ranch worker, Happy Feet (Dorsey Richmond), was noteworthy. Crank’s performance as Tillie was fun and energetic. Her skilled dancing was captivating and added some very fun moments. Claiborn’s performance as Ann was very moving. Ann functions as the glue to the family and across all the characters. Her character was written and portrayed as everything a mother is: strong and vital. Her range in the role was great, from being happy her son has returned to facing one of the hardest things a mother can face, a serious conflict between her sons; every emotion she felt in her role was done well.
Howell had a commanding presence as Jeeter; at his emotional peaks, he commanded the room, and, even with Jeeter’s flaws, Howell made the audience want to root for him. His chemistry with Pene as Tucker was a good interpretation of strained siblings. Pene’s performance was grounded; he was able to reel the audience in for his emotional moments, and his character’s growth throughout the play is natural yet strong and engaging.
EL DORADO’S GOLD is thought-provoking for viewers. Audience members will leave wanting to talk about what they watched and, if someone is not knowledgeable about Black cowboys, having learned something new. This family drama has something to engage any audience member. Sonja Camille did an excellent job creating and directing this play.
EL DORADO’S GOLD plays at ASU Kerr through May 10th.
The Bridge Initiative-- https://bridgeinit.org
Simply Livin’ Productions--https://www.facebook.com/simplylivinllc/
Venue: ASU Kerr -- 6110 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85253
Photo Credit to Fourth Wall Studio – L to R: John Pene, Gabriel Howell
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