Review by Neal Newman
March 2, 2023
Playgoers could rightly expect THURGOOD, the one-person show at People’s Light, to be a traditional lecture featuring a podium in a tiny space. Instead, they are treated to a phantasmagorical dream with amazing stage pictures, projections, and sound. This only enhances Brian Marable’s exceptional performance as Thurgood Marshall, our country’s first black supreme court justice.
Even more memorable, or at least dramatic, is his stand before the court in Brown vs. Board of Education (1954), which challenged the painfully prejudiced condition of school segregation in the South. The constitution had enshrined the policy as ‘separate but equal,” but Marshall challenged the concept as evil, damaging to young students, and illegal. The resulting court decision reframed the entire existence of the white South and led directly to the civil rights crises of the ’60s that continue today.
I had the privilege of being joined by the acclaimed author and novelist Jewel Thomas, who pointed out that George Stevens, Jr.’s play was a necessary educational document. To many young people, segregation is a historical chapter lost in the past rather than a shameful event that continues to plague our society. Ms. Thomas was especially struck by the scene where the young Thurgood is arrested by a group of arrogant white southern policemen for “driving while black.” Yes! This kind of thing still occurs.
Stevens’ play explains the segregation issue with extraordinary clarity. During the famous trial, Marable transforms into John W. Davis, the acclaimed white lawyer who defended the 14th amendment. Davis, played by Marable, leans on the podium in a confidential tone, exemplified by his distinguished deep southern accent, of the necessity of continuing separation of the races. At the conclusion, he wipes tears from his eyes. Ah! The heart of the “lost cause” of the old South is revealed.
Brian Marable always commands the stage in his portrayal. He begins as an infirm elderly gentleman with a cane, but as he relates the stories of his youth in the 1920s, he transforms into the eager young man scraping a living as a Pullman Car waiter. (How many of our current supreme court justices can claim to have waited on tables?) His voice last night exhibited a hoarse quality, which denied him the oratorical tones of the real Marshall, but ultimately his commitment, humor, and honesty made this irrelevant. He brings high comedy when he imitates historical figures such as General McArthur, LBJ, and his 6th-grade teacher. We were genuinely moved when he finally donned the judge’s robe.
My friend, Jewel Thomas, saw the original Broadway production and declared this one superior due to the exciting production values. Director Steve H. Broadnax III adroitly uses the large stage of the Leonard C. Haas stage, selecting portions of the stage to represent the different events of Marshall’s remarkable life. There is a podium, but it is used only for the “on the court record” arguments. The action is punctuated by Curtis Craig’s sound design’s whistles, music, sirens, and gavels. This is accompanied by a variety of historical photos and projections designed by Hailey LaRoe, including large-scale announcements of the legal cases. You won’t forget PLESSY VS FERGUSON after this. The attractive setting by Tony Cisek, enhanced by Nic Vincent’s theatrical lighting, is simple but necessary for the dreamlike swirl the designs create.
Audience members should now go to YouTube to see SEPARATE BUT EQUAL, the outstanding TV miniseries that starred Sidney Poitier and Burt Lancaster. This award-winning film was written and directed by, you guessed it, George Stevens, Jr.
RUNNING TIME: 90 minutes with no intermission.
THURGOOD runs through March 19 at People’s Light – 39 Conestoga Road in Malvern, PA. Call the box office at (610) 644-3500 or purchase tickets online.