RADIO GOLF, written in 2005, was August Wilson’s last play before his untimely death in August of the same year. It is also the final chapter in THE PITTSBURGH CYCLE chronicling African-American life in 1997 Pittsburgh. In this thought-provoking drama, a well-educated entrepreneur and aspiring city’s first black mayor, Harmond Wilks (Kim E. Brown), and his highfalutin business partner and friend Roosevelt Hicks (Marc C. Johnson) plan to revitalize a corrupted neighborhood. In addition, Wilks’ wife Mame (Vincetta Easley) is pursuing a prestigious position for herself in the governor’s office. It’s a story of political business that includes back room deals and zoning loopholes. When they discover that a building cited for demolition has a history that affects their heritage, you’ll see different sides of opinions. RADIO GOLF won the 2007 New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Play.
Vincetta Easley as Mame Wilks, Marc C. Johnson as Roosevelt Hicks, and Kim E. Brown as Harmond Wilks in The Drama Group’s production of RADIO GOLF by August Wilson.
“I’ve been going in the back doors all my life ‘cause they don’t never let me in the front,” says Sterling Johnson (Kamili O. Feelings), an ex-con who once went to school with Harmond and is self-employed as a contractor. Elder Joseph Barlow (Monroe Barrick) is an outspoken elderly man who is disputing the demolition of an old abandoned house that he claims he still owns. Right in character, Barlow gruffly (and quite comically at times) speaks his words of wisdom and isn’t afraid to give his opinion.
Folks, don’t miss this one. Witty, comical, full of feeling, RADIO GOLF was certainly a mind-blowing treat. The director, Robert Bauer, used this thought-provoking play to its fullest potential in these reviewers’ eyes. Very well cast, the players get into their characters, and it is nonstop entertainment. Feelings and Barrick pulled us in with their impeccable timing, facial expressions, and body language. All of the characters clearly did their homework as they played their roles to the highest level of professionalism and their interactions were right on target. The fantastic set, lighting, and sound effects helped pull it all together. Great job! You can hold us to it!
RADIO GOLF
by August Wilson
Directed by Robert Bauer
November 15-30, 2013
The Drama Group
The First United Methodist Church of Germantown
6001 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
215.844.0724
http://thedramagroup.org/
