Craig Wallace (Elder Joseph Barlow), Ro Boddie (Roosevelt Hicks), and JaBen Early (Harmond Wilks) in August Wilson’s Radio Golf at Round House Theatre. Photo by Margot Schulman Photography.
For most of us, it is easy to remember our childhood home and how it felt like walking through the front door. Maybe you can imagine the way your bedroom looked filled with toys or the smell of the kitchen when your favorite meal was being cooked. Imagine all of it disappearing along with every other house on that street for a Starbucks and a few apartments. “Radio Golf” written by the late August Wilson is more than a play about gentrification in the Hill District of Pittsburg. It is the story that raises questions about identity, community, generational wealth, success, and fighting for what you love. August Wilson’s legacy comes to life with Round House’s impressive production of “Radio Golf” through the direction of Reginald L. Douglas.
…impressive production…all its elements are masterfully placed to tell a timely story.
The five cast members understand the complexity of the characters to deliver an insightful and energetic performance of Wilson’s text. They encapsulate the energy of a community through jolts of laughter and extend the tension for the trials and tribulations of saving a neighborhood. Each character has a different view of what it means to save the neighborhood and the actors depict their changing mindsets with ease. The actors continue to show range as they carry serious and humorous topics with all the emotions that are required.
JaBen Early takes the leading role of Harmond Wilks through his powerful voice and eye-catching stage presence. He gives the authority of a candidate running for mayor while insinuating the importance of listening to the needs of a community. His charismatic persona through his character allows the audience to understand the complexity of the story on stage. Craig Wallace plays the role of the living archive, Elder Joseph Barlow. Wallace uses grace and skill for the paternal role, allowing his character to be lovable. Ro Boddie brings high energy to every scene to express how intense emotions can be on either side of the given battle.
The set design by Meghan Raham and costuming by Moyenda Kulemeka complement each other well as the costumes and prop colors are balanced within the stage and show how the characters see the world. Photos of successful leaders in sports and politics are general reminders of what each character is striving to be. The details in the costumes show the personality of each character and reflect their social class.
The overall production of “Radio Golf” and all its elements are masterfully placed to tell a timely story. It is a reminder of the importance of communities, and legacies, and to remember what you love.
Running Time: Approximately two hours and 15 minutes with one intermission.
Advisory: Strong language and a derogatory term.
August Wilson’s “Radio Golf” runs through July 2, 2023 at Round House Theatre Company, 4545 East-West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814. For more information and purchase tickets, call the Box Office at 240.644.1100, Monday-Friday 11 am-5 pm or go click here. Masks are required at the following performances: June 10 (matinee), 15, 17 (matinee), 23, 24 (matinee), and June 29.
