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Regional Reviews: Florida - West Coast Spunk: Three Tales by Zora Neale Hurston Also see Bill's review of Chicken Shop
Director Jim Weaver, who has helmed several successful productions for WBTT in the past, finds just the right tone for this whimsical piece. Aided by a very talented cast, he focuses on the warmth of the Southern black community in two pieces set in Eatonville, Florida, where Ms. Hurston was brought up and where she returned in her later life. In the third piece we are shown a glimpse of the excitement that was 1930s Harlem. After several local appearances in supporting roles, Candice C. Culcleasure steps center stage as the wife in the two pieces set in the South. She is terrific as the put upon wife in "Sweat," completely engaging the audience's sympathy. I felt a great catharsis when she triumphed over her adversity. In the third piece she shows great range as her character changes. Yohance Myles plays key roles in all three tales. He is an actor of impressive credentials, lots of TV work, teaching at Jackson State University in Mississippi and more, so it's no surprise that he shows great range. What is impressive is WBTT's ability to attract such fine actors from outside the region which will enable the company to continue to grow. Sammy Blue as Guitar Man (playing a steel blues guitar) and Deidra Grace as Blues Speak Woman act as narrators for the proceedings, both showing great charisma and warmth. Joel Patrick King returns to WBTT after a fine debut in Knock Me a Kiss to partner with Earley Dean Wilson III in multiple supporting roles. Both offer fine support and Earley continues to be a major presence on the WBTT stage. All of the WBTT regulars are in place, so all elements are spot on: scenic design by Steve Patmagrian; costume design by Cristy Owen; lighting design by Michael Pasquini; James E. Dodge II as production manager; and Juanita Munford as production stage manager. Spunk is a fine way to end another season of growth at WBTT as it illuminates the black history in a most entertaining way. Spunk, presented by West Coast Black Theatre Troupe, through May 17, 2015, at 1646 Nate Jacobs Way, Sarasota, Florida, 366-1505. For more information, visit www.wbttsrq.org. Cast (in order of appearance) Directed by Jim Weaver**
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