Page-2 | REVIEW: 'Hurt Village' lives up to its title | New York Theater | NewJerseyNewsroom.com -- Your State. Your News.

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While the production generally is well-acted by a nine-member ensemble, muffled diction makes some of the unfamiliar Memphis patois difficult to understand. That said, Pinkins is a formidable force as the grandma, Jones gives a sharp portrayal of the clear-eyed drug baron, Hawkins is a sympathetic figure as Buggy and Blake vividly interprets a crack-smoker’s lyrically expressed regrets. Kalukango believably surfs young Cookie’s waves of changing emotions.

Named for playwright Romulus Linney, Signature’s flexible theater space is configured into a profile stage with viewers arrayed on either side of the action. Set designer David Gallo appropriately decks the flanking two-story walls with ratty furniture, ravaged architecture and even a dumpster overflowing with domestic wreckage. Clint Ramos gives the actors clothing that reflect their characters. Designers Sarah Sidman (lighting) and Robert Kaplowitz (sound) effectively contribute additional atmosphere to the desolation row known as “Hurt Village.”

“Hurt Village” continues through March 18 at the Pershing Square Signature Theatre Center, 480 W. 42nd St., New York. Call (212) 244-7529 or visit www.signaturetheatre.org.