1 week Ago By Tony Wade
BENICIA—The Benicia Theatre Group’s latest production, “Bamboozled,” is around the 24 th of theirs that I have reviewed since 2006 and one of the very few that is a contemporary work. There is a risk involved in putting on such shows because well-known crowd pleasers are what typically gets (forgive my crudeness) butts in seats. So kudos to BTG for taking the risk to bring to the public a relevant and well done work of art.
Going in, I didn’t know anything about the play except for that it was not the stage version of the 2000 Spike Lee film of the same name which I liked but did not love. Instead it is one of many fruits that have sprang forth from the fertile mind of Patricia Milton, the resident playwright of Berkeley’s Central Works. According to their website, Central Works develops and produces new plays as they are the lifeblood of a vital, relevant, and progressive theater.
I was juiced to see that BTG brought award-winning director Terrence Tyrie Ivory on board to direct. I’ve loved shows that have had his directorial fingerprints on them in the past including “Crowns,” “The Wiz” and “Dreamgirls” for Ivory Arts and "Fences" and “Two Trains Running” for BTG. I am always loath to reveal the actual plot of a show because, just like most people, I want the story to unfold before my eyes live on stage, not in a review.
The Benicia Theatre Group provides reviewers with a media packet and the detailed description of the play that was included completely gave away the whole story. However, I did like the more general one printed in the program and here is a paraphrase. “Bamboozled takes audiences on a rollercoaster ride of wit and humor while wrestling with America’s fraught history of race and identity.
The play delves into themes of cultural appropriation, systemic bias and the echoes of slavery all through Patricia Milton’s sharp dialogue and comedic prowess.” Now, that “sharp dialogue and comedic prowess” was obviously evident in the script, but for the audience to receive it and believe it had to be teased out by a talented director and delivered by the cast. Thankfully, they succeeded in doing both.
Ashley Jaye brought a delightful crispness to the character of Savannah Hill, a lawyer with a suspended law license. She was at turns self-confident, hysterically funny and gracefully intelligent and self-confident. Her character seemed to be someone who knows her stuff and is not to be trifled with.
Linda Scaprotti's character, lawyer Rochelle Ashworth, came across as competent, conflicted and completely believable. She had wonderful on-stage chemistry with the other actors especially Jaye. I’m a read-the-liner-notes-on-albums-guy and that translates to theatre programs as well.
Laura Martin-Chapin’s bio, which included highlights of her 35 + years gracing Bay Area stages, included that she played the Mother Abess in “The Sound of Music.” That was for Vallejo Music Theatre at the now defunct Fetterley Playhouse for the Arts in 2007 and I reviewed that show. I said then that her powerhouse vocals on “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” elicited goosebumps and frenzied applause.
Well, Marin-Chapins role as Opal Anne Hatchett didn't make me feel goosebumpy. But that was by design. Her character could be described as a steadfast traditionalist Southern matriarch, but I’ll just shorthand it to racist.
Martin-Chapin ably portrayed one of those characters that you can’t stand but at the same time appreciate the actor's effort involved in making her real and not a caricature. Amirah LaForcade as antiques appraiser Abby Howard was always in-the-moment and imbued her character with appropriate competence and professionalism. I don’t know how old LaForcade is, but she appeared to be the youngest cast member with the least amount of experience (according to the program) and yet more than held her own.
The set (Clinton Vidal/Brian Hough) of a lawyer’s office with an outer office and a balcony was fantastic. The costumes (Donna Telepak) were on point. The only issue I think was when the sounds of a crowd outside were added in it was kind of hard to make out all the words of the actors.
That’s because the acoustics of the historic B.D.E.
S. hall, which was built in 1915, ain’t the greatest. Still it was a minor issue.
“Bamboozled” premiered in 2018 and it was amazing how so many of the lines and themes in the play are relevant to the current climate. I love escapism in theatre as much as they next person, but I also enjoy shows that make me uncomfortable, even a little angry, but do it in a way that is clever and entertaining and make me think. “Bamboozled” is just such a show.
Fairfield freelance accidental local historian Tony Wade is also the author of The History Press books “Growing Up In Fairfield, California,” “Lost Restaurants of Fairfield, California,” “Armijo High School: Fairfield, California,” "Growing Up In Vacaville" and the upcoming "True Crime Stories of Fairfield, California." Reach Tony at [email protected] .
Benicia Theatre Group presents “Bamboozled” Friday, May 2, 9 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday, May 3, 10 at 8:00 p.
m. Sunday, April 28, May 4, 11 at 2:00 p.m.
140 West J Street Benicia www.beniciatheatregroup.org Three stars out of four.
