James Williams, Elayn J. Taylor (and James Alfred

I'm not one given to hyperbole, but if you are in the Twin Cities between now and September 21, you must take a trip to St. Paul to see Penumbra's staging of August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning Fences. Lou Bellamy has mixed a terrific cast with one of Wilson's richest scripts into a piece of special theater.

Taking up the 1950s slot in Wilson's 10-play cycle of the African American experience during the 20th century, Fences focuses on Troy Maxson, a hard-working, blue-collar man who once dreamed of playing baseball in the major leagues. His skin color prevented that at first, and his age ended it. That missed opportunity is only of the many factors that have worn Troy down over the years, leaving behind a chaotic bundle of emotions that shift from joking to furious rage in a heartbeat.

Among his concerns are his two sons: the older Lyons, who pursues his own dream of music well into his 30s, and teenager Cory, who sees football as a way to a better life. Supporting them is Rose, Troy's long-suffering wife who does the best she can with the small income they earn and the constant tension within the home.

The man's conflicted emotions about his sons, his wife and his life slowly come to a head, leaving him virtually alone by play's end. Troy is neither hero nor villain, but instead as close to a real person as you will find on stage, one built of contradictions and beliefs and long-held resentments and a desire to provide what his father did not.

Standing at the top of an excellent cast is James A. Williams, who brings Troy—in all of his facets—to life. Commanding the stage physically, vocally and emotionally, Williams forces us, if not to like, then at least understand Troy. Williams works with a considerable ensemble here—which includes immense performances by Elayn J. Taylor as Rose and James T. Alfred as Cory—all of whom do excellent work in bringing Wilson's rich story, characters and language to life.

You can use whatever baseball analogy you want—hitting it out of the park, pitching a perfect game—but none of them are really strong enough for this show. Fences is not just the best show I've seen this year, but possibly the best I've seen since returning to Minnesota three years ago. I hope everyone who can, takes the opportunity to see why.

Fences runs through September 21 at the Penumbra Theatre Company, 270 N. Kent St., St. Paul. For tickets and more information, call 651-224-3180 or visit www.penumbratheatre.org.

Photo: Ann Marsden

- Ed Huyck

Be sure to check the current schedule for theatre in the Twin Cities area