'Stick Fly' a Smart, Powerful Success

This season, the Berlind gives new meaning to the African-American drama. "Stick Fly," written by Lydia Diamond and directed by Shirley Jo Finney, is a contemporary drama that sheds light on modern African-American culture. Unlike much of African-American theater, which often focuses on struggle and oppression, "Stick Fly" centers on an upper-class African-American family living in Martha's Vineyard, Mass., a traditional haven for the wealthy black elite. The result is a refreshing, engaging performance.

The story revolves around Kent LeVay (Kevin Carroll), a wealthy black man and son to well-known Joseph LeVay (John Wesley). Early in the play, Kent brings his fiancee, Taylor (Michole Briana White), to his family's Martha's Vineyard home to meet his parents. Her stay gets off to a rocky start: Upon meeting Kent's brother, Flip, (Javon Johnson), Taylor realizes she'd had a one-night stand with him prior to meeting Kent. And things don't get much smoother after that. Taylor repeatedly flounders in her attempts to please Kent's stony father and to befriend the family's young housekeeper, Cheryl (Julia Pace Mitchell). Additionally, racial tension explodes between Taylor and Flip's new white girlfriend, Kimber (Monette Magrath).

"Stick Fly" is not primarily a play about race, though; it is about a dysfunctional family. It is about class differences, trust and not being able to connect even with the ones you love most. While it is a drama, the writing is enriched by fresh humor, witty banter and honest character depictions.

Though for the most part the script is honest and realistic, some of the writing is melodramatic, and hard-to-believe plot twists cause the play to feel a bit like a soap opera. Some of the arguments and discoveries of the characters' relationships to one another are both implausible and over-the-top. Nonetheless, it is easy to get caught up in the drama and indulge in a little schmaltz.

Any weaknesses in the script are counteracted by a uniformly strong cast. Wesley, as Joseph LeVay, is a particular asset. His character is cold and stoic, but he remains likeable, embodying a rich character with a complicated, colorful family past. He is the eye of the storm on stage — amid the drama, the audience gravitates toward him.

Both Carroll and Johnson as brothers Kent and Flip are very believable and give praiseworthy performances. Carroll fits the mold of the extremely intelligent and slightly awkward brother perfectly. His performance is both subtle and carefully crafted, and he is a pleasure to watch. Johnson is also strong. He has a powerful presence and an intensity onstage with which he is able to manipulate the audience's emotions. He is in one moment charming, and in the next intensely frightening.

Mitchell (Cheryl) is probably the least polished cast member. Her performance feels rehearsed and too big for the realism of the script and cast. Her lines feel like lines rather than her own words, and she occasionally appeared to wait for a reaction from the audience.

The production's set, designed by Felix Cochren, alone makes the play worth going to: It is a roomy house, filled with large windows, hardwood floors on multiple levels, hanging chandeliers and lamps, and jewel-toned furniture. There is a full kitchen, complete with a tiled floor, a stove, a fridge and running water. The back porch runs around the lip of the stage, and through windows we can see the front yard and the clouds moving through the sky above the house. It is a beautiful, decadent, polished set — a playground for the actors and the imagination.

The sound, designed by Darron West, also enhances the production. A song is played between each scene, sometimes just as an interlude, sometimes meant to suggest what Cheryl is hearing through her iPod as she cleans the house. Each song is carefully chosen, from a jazzy version of "Summertime" to a danceable hip-hop song.

This play is one not to miss at McCarter. Not only is it a smart play with a strong cast and great production value, it is also a piece of African-American drama that presents a new view of modern black culture. It is moving and important. You will savor every minute of it.

Stick Fly.

Berlind Theater

Pros:

Strong script, good actors, imaginative set, carefully chosen music

Cons:

Occasional melodrama