Broadway Theater Review: Fences with Denzel Washington

Fences Can Keep People in, or Out
By Lauren Yarger
The fence behind the Maxson’s Pittsburgh home in August Wilson’s Fences is more than just a symbol of the people it keeps in or out of the family’s circle. For Troy Maxson (Denzel Washington in an explosive performance), each post and each plank represents one of his poor choices that has built a boundary between him and the people he loves.

The gatekeeper with figurative control over who gets to be on which side of the fence is his wife, Rose (a marvelous Viola Davis who probably will take the Best Actress Tony for this performance). She has brought happiness to Troy’s life, giving him a son, Cory (Chris Chalk), being a mother to his oldest son from a previous marriage, Lyons (Russell Hornsby), and helping to look after her husband’s war-damaged brother, Gabriel (Mykelti Williamson).

This play, which won the Pulitzer Prize, is one of 10 written by Wilson depicting the black experience in Pittsburgh decade by decade. Fences is set in 1957.

At first, the family is happy and Troy’s friend and work mate Jim Bono (Stephen McKinley Henderson) enjoys hanging out with the family, sharing jokes and few drinks with Troy on Friday paydays when Lyons usually visits looking for a handout to support his musician lifestyle. Troy entertains the gang with stories of his days in the Negro Baseball League and of how he just missed a chance to play in the Majors. Cory shares his father’s athletic ability and hopes to play professional football, but Troy refuses to allow it, insisting instead that his son hold down a job.

Troy’s selfishness continues to guide his decisions and when his affair with another woman results in a daughter (played later by Sacha Stewart Coleman and Eden Duncan-Smith at alternating performances), he just might have put a lock on the fence gate and separated himself from his family forever. The play, tightly directed by Kenny Leon, is a brilliant, poetic look at self destruction and the power of family and forgiveness.

Designer Santo Loquasto expertly shows the exterior of the house as well as a glimpse into the kitchen giving the set a nice depth. Scene changes are enhanced by some really pleasing jazz composed by Branford Marsalis.

Don’t get caught outside the fence on this one. The play and performances are well worth it.

Fences runs through July 11 at the Cort Theatre, 138 West 48th St., NYC. For tickets, call (212) 239-6200.

Christians might also like to know:
• Sexual dialogue
• God’s name taken in vain
Special note: Women, the line for the inadequate restroom at the Cort at intermission is insanely long. There’s a good chance you won’t be able to get in before the curtain for Act 2 is going up, so plan accordingly.