JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE

(Pictured: Tiffany Michelle Thompson/Don Guillory) - kevinberne.com. (Right photo: Liza Minnelli)


Joe Turner’s Come and Gone:
“Holds you spellbound!”
It’s Happening! – Stars, Fun, Drama, Events

JOE TURNER PLAY IS RAW AND GUTSY

Right off the bat, I knew that I was in for a thrilling experience when I heard the lonely sound of a Train whistle, joined by an equally lonesome sound of a Harmonica. Those sounds are joined by faint clapping and woops. I thought to myself – “O.K, they’ve got me. I’m hooked.”

The story takes place in 1911 in a well appointed boarding house. This boarding house is filled with intrigue and religious eccentricities of one of the roomers, Bynum Walker. August Wilson’s play gives us a close look at African American’s as they arrive to the North to begin life anew. There is one particular haunting man that wanders into the three-story Boarding house to look for a room and his missing wife. His name is Herald Loomis – and he is one of the most frightening, mysterious persons that you’ll ever see. It is remarkable how a young actor can put himself into another time. What you see on the stage is a rare triumph.

The acting is powerful all around. Barry Shabaka Henley (as the Grumpy homeowner Seth Holly) is authentic and brutally honest. Kim Staunton (as Bertha Holly) is Magnetic. Brent Jennings (as Bynum Walker, the Voodoo trick man) is mesmerizing. Dan Hiatt (Rutherford Selig) who used to capture and sell slaves -- now finds African Americans for other African Americans. He is known as ‘The Finder’. Hiatt is brilliant. Don Guillory, a Barack Obama look-a-like – (as Jeremy Furlow) has so much personality that you won’t be able to shake his presence off, even after you’ve left the theater. He is at the peak of his artful powers in this play. You will be compelled. “He Kicks Ass!”

Inglish Amore Hills (as the young daughter of Harold Loomis) doesn’t have a lot to say. But, when she talks you are riveted. This performance will burn in your memory. Teagle F. Bougere (as the strange Herald Loomis) plays a man who is tormented with demons. He is on a mission. On one hand you want to run from him and on the other hand you want to give him a hug. Now, you tell me how many actors are there that make you want to love and hate them at the same time? Not that many. Bougere gives an unusually stunning and energetic performance that not only shines with awards glow -- but also is a flash of genius.

Keanu Beausier (as Reuben Mercer) befriends the young Loomis girl. Beausier is an eight-grade student at Oakland High School of the Arts. What a wonderful performance as a young man, who is both wise and kind. He is absolutely marvelous and magical. He lights up the stage. Others actors in the opening night production were Tiffany Michelle Thompson, Erica Peeples and Kenya Brome. They all gave touching performances that took on all the emotions of courage, betrayal and revenge, in a most touching and dramatic way. Some may not have a lot to say, but the body language says it all – ‘I am here, and Joe Turner is gone’. Just so you know – Joe Turner was a horrible man, who kept Herald Loomis locked up for seven years. Although, we don’t see Turner in the play, we feel his presence through the song “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” sung by Brent Jennings. This is the best version of “Joe Turner” you’re likely to see on any stage.

DIRECTOR DELROY LINDO has shown us how fragile lives are. He has made this American classic, more classic, with his imaginative directing. It’s visionary!

AT THE BERKELEY REP

RATING: FOUR GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!!! (highest rating) –trademarked-

(((Lee Hartgrave has contributed to the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday Datebook and produced a long-running Arts segment on PBS-KQED)))

IT’S HAPPENING!

THE MAGIC THEATRE – where you always find ‘Hotcoolnewplays’, have a new exciting play that sounds just great. Here’s the scoop: Gloria and clay are living every parent’s nightmare. Their son has been suspended for carrying a gun to school. BAD BOY. Artistic Director Loretta Greco says – “Evie’s Waltz is an unflinching play about the difficulties of parenting – and being a teenager.” The play is written by. Carter W. Lewis. It Happens on Nov. 15 at Fort Mason. www.magictheatre.org.

IT’S LIZA’S TURN! She’s won them all – a Tony, Grammy, Oscar and an Emmy Award. And she is Liza Minnelli who is now rehearsing for “Liza’s at the Palace” for a two-week concert engagement at Broadway’s Palace Theatre on Dec. 3. Bingo! It worked for her mother Judy Garland to jumpstart her career. Now it’s Liza’s turn. Pianist/Musical supervisor Billy Stritch will lead the 12-person orchestra. Info: lizasatthepalace.com.

WHERE IS JOE TURNER? I knew you would ask – so, here it is. “JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE” is at the Berkeley Repertory theatre. This August Wilson play is about a man who shows up at a Pittsburgh boarding house with his young daughter. He is searching for his wife and identity. This Wilson play is mentioned as “one of his finest”. Info: www.berkeleyrep.org. Plays thru Dec. 14.

YEAH, GEORGE BERNARD SHAW IS BACK. Well, not really in person. He’s dead, you know. But Barbara Oliver is putting some new insights and life into “The Devil’s Disciple” with her directing skills in Berkeley. The Shaw play is at the Aurora Theatre til Dec. 7. Its got it all – humor, paradoxes and swashbuckling action. 510. 843.4822 for info and tix.

Obama, the Musical. Never heard of it? I haven’t either, but it’s only a matter of time, before someone like Oprah will finance a deal. Hey, it’s got all the elements of the Lion King. Why Not?

Ben Bernake appeared at the Empire State Building. And what did he say in this starring role? Well, he gave a gloomy speech. Maybe, he should have sung it to tune of “Buddy, can you Spare a Dime?”

Madonna is making the rounds with her new show. And since the “Surprise” breakup of her marriage (HA!) – she has been seen with her best friend “A-Rod.” Both are really, really rich. And I don’t mean Ritchie.

Celebs wanna know -- “What will happen to the Marriage of Singer and pianist Michael Feinstein and his partner Terrence Flannery?” Well, lets see. Oh, I got it. Call Judge Judy.

SCROOGE IS BACK! No, not Gavin Newsom – this is the one in “A Christmas Carol” at A.C.T. This wonderful and happy show has been adapted, by Cary Perloff and Paul Walsh with great music by Karl Lundeberg, and fabulous choreography by Val Caniparoli. Domenique Lozano directs. This favorite holiday tradition – of course features the lovelable Tiny Tim and the mean old Scrooge, who is haunted by those ghosts. It happens on Tuesday Dec. 9 at 7pm at the American Conservatory Theater on Geary Street. (For updated events check out: www.forallevents.info/leehartgrave/

AND THAT’S A WRAP!