Review: SPUNK - A Wonderful Celebration In The Key of the Blues
SPUNK, three tales by Zora Neale Hurston, adapted for the stage by George C. Wolfe, produced by Spectrum Theatre Company and currently playing at Austin Playhouse, is an evening filled with laughter, love and the blues.
Presented with a lovely theatrical narrative SPUNK explores three separate stories of African Americans in the Depression era. The first of these tales is a battered wife (Carla Nickerson) whose husband (Marc Pouhé) flaunts his mistress (Rebekka P. Bryant) and attempts to force her from her home by keeping a snake in the house. Next is 'Story in Harlem Slang' where two men (Patrick Gathron and Robert King,Jr) looking for a woman to pay their bills engage in a verbal battle of put downs using the aforementioned vernacular. The third story is of a young couple (Crystal Bird-Caviel and Patrick Gathron) very much in love are tempted by the lure of gold. All three acts are rich in language, emotion and theatrical tradition. The chorus (Janis Stinson, Dr. Billy F. Harden and Saul Paul) provide the music and the connecting songs in this play with music.
The Spectrum Theatre Company's production is simply beautiful and delightful to watch. The ensemble cast is joy in motion, every step is elegant and meaningful. Standouts include Crystal Bird-Caviel, who plays the young wife in the third act. She is magnetic and carries a presence on stage that is incandescent. Patrick Gathron as the young husband is energetic and charming. As the battered wife Carla Nickerson is fragile, but has the nerves of steel that only a woman who has been knocked down too many times can have. The knock out performance of the night comes from Austin favorite Marc Pouhé. It's rare to see him play a purely comic role and his turn as the lecherous ice cream parlor owner who tempts the young wife with his gold, is nothing less than stellar. His physical comedy skills are top notch and had the audience in stitches. Stinson and Harden's bluesy vocals are amazing and brought an instant smile to my face and warmed my heart. Costumes by Desiree Humphries are period perfect and beautifully tailored. Director Dr. Marcus McQuirter has assembled an extremely talented cast and showcases their abilities to great effect. The entire production is very well done and I enjoyed every moment.
I give my highest recommendation to SPUNK, it is certainly theatrical experience that should not be missed.
SPUNK, Three Tales By Zora Neale Hurston
Adapted by George C. Wolfe
Directed by Dr. Marcus McQuirter
Spectrum Theatre Company at Austin Playhouse, Highland Mall, Austin
July 14-31, Thursday - Saturday 8:00 PM, Sunday 5:00 PM
Running Time: 1 hour 45 minutes with a 15 minute intermission
Tickets: $25.00. spectrumatx.com
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