Review: 4TH WALL THEATRE CO.'s SHOWS PROWESS IN EXCEPTIONAL FAIRVIEW

Production runs through June 17th

By: May. 30, 2023
Review: 4TH WALL THEATRE CO.'s SHOWS PROWESS IN EXCEPTIONAL FAIRVIEW
Review: 4TH WALL THEATRE CO.'s SHOWS PROWESS IN EXCEPTIONAL FAIRVIEW
Ciara Shabree Anderson and Jasmine Renee Thomas in 4th Wall Theatre Co.'s Fairview.
Photo by Gabriella Nissen

Do you ever watch a film and think about what you do in the conflict? Does your concept of that conflict change? How would you react if you were in Thano's snap or your father said you couldn't interact with the human world because you live underwater? Now add those ideas and mix them with thoughts of race. These contemplations are at the heart of Jackie Sibblies Drury's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Fairview, which is currently open at 4th Wall Theatre Co. 


The play begins with the average American family. The husband, wife, daughter, and aunt are all preparing for their mother's birthday dinner. Sitcom-style, the family's four members hilariously tackle the tiny problems in this slice-of-life moment. However, they are interrupted as the events rewind and four distinct voices begin discussing race within the movie they are watching. The catalyst, the film is of black people, and the four voices are white. I do not wish to spoil more, but the tensions escalate for all in Drury's play. 

This play is one of the best plays that can be seen in the Houston theatre scene as all aspects of this production, from the writing, performances, and design elements, all come together succinctly and excellently. While overall, the show is magnificent, there are standouts. 

Review: 4TH WALL THEATRE CO.'s SHOWS PROWESS IN EXCEPTIONAL FAIRVIEW
Ciara Shabree Anderson in 4th Wall Theatre Co.'s Fairview.
Photo by Gabriella Nissen

First, Shawanna Renee Rivon is stepping onto the stage after several seasons of being behind the page. Rivon sets the play in motion, and from the moment the lights dim, one immediately feels her presence on stage. Rivon does an excellent job in both comedic and dramatic elements of the production and does so with all the grace of a budding family matriarch. Derrick Brent matches Rivon in acting ability, as playing Rivon's husband in this production is no easy task. Fresh off a successful run in The Ensemble's Clydes, Wesley Whitson continues showing audiences why they are one of the best actors in town. Finally, one of AD Player's more prominent ensemble members finally receiving a star-turn in the role of Keisha is Ciara Shabree Anderson. Anderson does an incredible job of being the play's heart, soul, and overall message. 

The final act is where Anderson gets to shine, and it is through Anderson's fantastic acting that audience members can feel her gravitas. Keep this spoiler-free, but if Anderson asks you to come on stage, you must do so. 

Review: 4TH WALL THEATRE CO.'s SHOWS PROWESS IN EXCEPTIONAL FAIRVIEW
Shawanna Renee Rivon and Derrick Brent in 4th Wall Theatre Co.'s Fairview.
Photo by Gabriella Nissen

Design elements are in top form on the 4th Wall's post-it stamp of a stage. Nicholas Graves set design provides an incredible backdrop to this production of Fairview. The sitcom-style set lends itself to the intricacies and nuances of the play. The original music and sound design of Robert Leslie Meek is in full glory. This sound design is essential as the production elements demand a top-notch design, and Meeks doesn't disappoint. 

Overall, for an engaging night of theater, one must see Fairview. For how often can one see this Pulitzer Prize-winning play? 4th Wall has done an incredible job with this production. 

4th Wall Theatre Co.'s production of Fairview run ends on June 17th, 2023, with performances Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm and Sunday matinees at 3:00 pm. Tickets can be bought at 4th Wall Theatre Co.'s Click Here




RELATED STORIES - Houston

1
Dirt Dogs Theatre Co. to Open Season 8 With THE BIRDS Photo
Dirt Dogs Theatre Co. to Open Season 8 With THE BIRDS

DIRT DOGS THEATRE CO. opens Season 8 with 'The Birds' in a thrilling production.

2
Alley Theatre Launches Yo Soy Houston Mariachi Community Project Photo
Alley Theatre Launches Yo Soy Houston Mariachi Community Project

Alley Theatre has announced the Yo Soy Houston Mariachi community project. El Zócalo’s Yo Soy Houston Mariachi provides Alley Theatre audiences with a unique and vibrant pre-show experience that warmly welcomes Houston's Mariachi community into the captivating world of American Mariachi. Learn more about the project here!

3
Houston Grand Opera Opens the 2023-24 Season With INTELLIGENCE Photo
Houston Grand Opera Opens the 2023-24 Season With INTELLIGENCE

On October 20, 2023, Houston Grand Opera (HGO) will launch its new season with a company-commissioned world premiere, the new American epic Intelligence, produced in collaboration with the Urban Bush Women. Learn more about the upcoming performance here!

4
IM NOT A COMEDIAN… IM LENNY BRUCE Makes Houston Premiere in October Photo
I'M NOT A COMEDIAN… I'M LENNY BRUCE Makes Houston Premiere in October

The Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center will present a two-run limited engagement of “I'M NOT A COMEDIAN… I'M LENNY BRUCE” starring critically-acclaimed actor Ronnie Marmo. Learn more about the play and how to get tickets here!

From This Author - Armando Urdiales

Armando Urdiales (He/Him/His)”: A second year MS in Theatre Studies at the University of Houston, I have been obsessed with theater since I was a kid. My mothers lullabies were from Andrew Lloyd... Armando Urdiales">(read more about this author)

Videos


#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Taming of the Shrew
Points North Theatre (9/30-9/30)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Nunsense
Moore Vision Entertainment (9/28-10/08)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Waiting for Godot
The Catastrophic Theatre (9/29-10/14)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Forever Plaid
The George Theater (9/06-10/01)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# The Way It Is...Now
The DeLuxe Theater (10/07-10/07)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Vincent
Midtown arts (12/24-12/24)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# L'enfant/ Monsieur
Moores Opera House (10/26-10/29)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# NUNSENSE
MVE/BBYMT Studio Theatre (9/28-10/08)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# The Addams Family
Alvin Community College Theatre (10/21-10/29)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# MJ
Hobby Center for the Performing Arts (11/14-11/19)
VIEW ALL SHOWS  ADD A SHOW  

Recommended For You