Off-Broadway Theater Review: Skeleton Crew

Skeleton Crew

By Dominique Morisseau

Directed by Ruben Santiago-Hudson
Atlantic Theater Company

By Lauren Yarger
What's It All About?

This s the final play of Dominique Morisseau’s Detroit Trilogy about workers at the last exporting auto plant in the city. It's so good, I definitely want to see the previous two plays, Detriot '67 and Paradise Blue in the cycle (the three are not related except for the setting).

Here, workers on the line struggle to survive amidst rumors that the plant will be closing. That will not be welcome news. Foreman Reggie (Wendell B. Franklin) has made a career for himself at the plant and just bought his family a home. Shanita (Nikiya Mahis) is pregnant and needs the benefits. And matriarchal figure Faye (a terrific Lynda Gravatt), who literally was a mother to Reggie -- the son of her deceased lesbian partner -- has fallen on hard times and is staying in the break rooms at nights when it is too cold to sleep in her car.

Reggie confides in Faye that layoffs may be coming, and troublemaker Dez (Jason Dirden) probably will be one of the first to go. Someone has been stealing fro the plant at night and Reggie has to find a balance between being a manager and remaining true to his roots to do what is right for everyone.  Scenes are introduced by a performer (Adesola Osakalumi, who also choreographs) doing robot-styled dance moves ( to original music and songs by Robert Kaplowitz, who also designs the sound, and Jimmy "J.Keys" Keys) which are projected onto the set (Nicholas Hussong designs the projections; Michael Carnahan designs the authentic-looking break room where the characters hand out, naturally costumed by Paul Tazewell.)

What Are the Highlights?

An engrossing, pertinent script, well acted and directed, Despite a rather depressing atmosphere, made heavy by the threat of unemployment, Morrisseau skillfully weaves humor, friendship and forgiveness into the story to round it out. The action on  stage may depict issues specific to Detroit's auto industry, but the playwright poignantly reminds us that anyone's life can change in the blink of an eye and the reality is that these characters could be any one of us who are living pay check to pay check in the current economy.

What are the Lowlights?

 None. 

More Information:

Skeleton Crew originally played at Atlantic Stage 2 and has re-opened at the Linda Gross Theatre, 336 West 20th St, NYC. It plays through June 19. 

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--Language

-- Homeosexuality

-- God's name taken in vain