Fountain Theatre Extends THE BROTHERS SIZE Through 9/14
By: Tyler Peterson
The Fountain Theatre has been granted the rights to extend its Los Angeles premiere production of The Brothers Size by Tarell Alvin McCraney, initially announced as a limited engagement, through Sept. 14.
Directed by Shirley Jo Finney and starring Gilbert Glenn Brown, Matthew Hancock and Theodore Perkins, The Brothers Size (like the other plays in McCraney's "Brother/Sister Plays" trilogy) is an exuberantly theatrical drama that weaves together the pulsing rhythms of the Louisiana bayou with African Yoruba mythology to create a stylized story of love and heartache.
"The critical and audience reaction has been so strong, we eagerly wanted to get special permission to keep the production running," says Fountain co-artistic director Stephen Sachs. "With the West Coast premiere of McCraney's Choir Boy scheduled to begin previews at the Geffen Playhouse on Sept. 16, we hope to give Los Angeles audiences a little more time to savor this earlier play and this important young playwright's truly unique voice." In The Brothers Size, recently paroled Oshoosi Size seeks to jumpstart his life, but working in an auto repair shop for his brother Ogun was not what he had in mind. When his old friend Elegba rolls up, offering a different direction, Oshoosi quickly finds himself torn between his brother, his loyalties and his dreams. The character names invoke Yoruba orishas, or deities: Ogun is the god of iron-working and. Oshoosi is the divine hunter associated with the human struggle for survival - cunning, intelligent and cautious. Elegba is the guardian of the crossroads of life, but is also well known for being the orisha of chaos and trickery who leads mortals into temptation. In its "Critic's Choice" review, the Los Angeles Times writes, "Shirley Jo Finney's vibrant direction, the vivid choreography and songs, and the remarkable three-man cast make this intimate production richly theatrical." The Hollywood Reporter raves, "Playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney boasts a rare talent: an utterly distinctive voice. He sounds like no one else, his cadences hearty and beautiful. I am in love with his voice, and in all likelihood you will feel the same way." The LA Weekly praises the "Gorgeous drift into song" and "intoxicating choreography," concluding that "The muscular ensemble doesn't let up for a moment. This is sure to be one of the season's memorable productions." And Eye Spy LA calls The Brothers Size "Impactful and stunning... one of those rare gems of contemporary playwriting that gives hope to the future of the craft... leaving one breathless and clamoring for more." Performances of The Brothers Size continue through Sept. 14 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. (dark Aug. 8-10 and Aug. 29-31) with additional Thursday performances at 8 p.m. during the month of July. Tickets are $34 (reserved seating); on Thursdays and Fridays only, students with ID are $25. The Fountain Theatre is located at 5060 Fountain Avenue (at Normandie) in Los Angeles. Secure, on-site parking is available for $5. The Fountain Theatre is air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible. For reservations and information, call 323-663-1525 or go to www.FountainTheatre.com. Choir Boy runs Sept 16 - Oct 26 at the Geffen Playhouse: www.geffenplayhouse.com.