Denzel Washington hits one over the ‘Fences’

Viola Davis costars in a solid staging of August Wilson's drama

BY MICHAEL SOMMERS

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

BROADWAY REVIEW

A straightforward story about a good man whose past experience sours his present existence, "Fences" remains one of August Wilson's most enjoyable dramas regarding African-American life.

Starring Denzel Washington in a role that becomes him beautifully, "Fences" opened Monday at the Cort Theatre, which looks likely to be packed for the revival's 13-week engagement through early July.

Unlike many of the late playwright's dozen works, the Pulitzer Prize-winning "Fences" (1987) does not dive into deep waters of mystical meaning. No ghosts. Yet Troy Maxson (Washington), a sanitation worker in 1950s Pittsburgh, remains haunted by his past glories as a Negro League baseball star.

Still handsome in his 50s and happily married to the supportive Rose (Viola Davis), Troy gets into a nasty escalating conflict with his son Cory (Chris Chalk) when the teen is scouted by a university football recruiter. Troy believes Cory can't get ahead in a white man's game — he sure didn't in 1930s baseball — and despite everyone's protests how times are changing he insists his kid stick to vo-tech goals.

"You're afraid I'm going to be better than you," the resentful son accuses his angry dad.

Swapping guy talk with his best friend Jim (Stephen McKinley Henderson), it further becomes apparent that Troy is cheating on Rose with a younger woman. Troy's betrayal later reaps consequences that rock his marriage.

An absorbing, flavorfully written drama driven by robust characters and strong emotions, "Fences" is given a well-grounded production by director Kenny Leon that delivers powerful performances.

Successfully stepping into big shoes originally worn by James Earl Jones, Washington warmly depicts Troy as a goodhearted soul who strives to do the right thing by his family yet is sidetracked by pride, bitter experience and a sexual itch. Always a vital presence, Washington insightfully explores Troy's many emotional levels and integrates them into an altogether touching portrait of a vigorous man damaged but unbowed by his troubles past and present.

A compelling actress (remember her as the altar boy's mom in the screen "Doubt"?), Davis portrays Rose as every solid inch the loyal, understanding wife until she learns of Troy's infidelity - then stand back and just watch her initial misery slowly boil over into rage.

An admirable specialist at Wilson dramas, Henderson naturally drifts in and out of the backyard as the family friend. Mykelti Williamson lends Troy's brain-damaged elder brother — the sort of delusional figure who pops up often in Wilson's plays — a cheerful nature that makes him more sweet than scary. The smoldering Chalk and an easygoing Russell Hornsby contrast as Troy's sons by different women.

Bluesy music composed by Branford Marsalis effectively creates appropriate moods. The highly detailed realism of designer Santo Loquasto's ruddy setting of a back porch and yard shaded by a spreading tree looks handsome. Lovingly lit by Brian MacDevitt, the stage picture at times recalls paintings by Edward Hopper.

"Fences" continues through July 11 at the Cort Theatre, 138 W. 48th St., New York. Call (212) 239-6200 or visit www.fencesonbroadway.com.