By William Powell
Dry Bones is philosophically and emotionally challenging
Are there really “no second acts in American lives,” as the great writer F. Scott Fitzgerald once wrote? The stage play Dry Bones tends to disagree with Fitzgerald in its insistent message of redemption and acts of giving characters another chance.
Dry Bones is a superbly written and directed show that highlights the plight of “returning citizens” and their families. It’s philosophically deep and emotionally challenging art that speaks to the theme of redemption and is not to be missed.
Most in need of redemption in the play is Eugene Haines (the excellent Ernest Highsmith), who has just returned from doing a 15-year stretch in prison for a self-defense murder, ostensibly to protect his little brother Detrick (the naturally good Rob Simpson). Years ago, we learn in a flashback featuring young Eugene (Ronald Benson-El Jr.) and young Detrick (Larquette Brown), Eugene took down a henchman, Sean, of the notorious street hood, T-Rex who Detrick owed $20,000 to. Situations for the characters become bleaker and more gummed up from there.
Masterfully directed by Eli El, Dry Bones evokes the Biblical story of dead bones coming to life as witnessed by the prophet Ezekiel (Ezekiel 34:1-11). Many times in the play the characters are led by circumstances to think, as in that Biblical book: “Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone (Ezekiel 34:11).” Ultimately Dry Bones is about convicts aka “returning citizens” reentering society, employment issues, and family secrets; not merely entertainment, this play speaks to what it means to err, and how we as humans overcome that.
The home Eugene returns to in apartment E37 is not a happy one. Eugene’s father Roame (the fantastic Adiyb Muhammad) has recently reunited with his estranged wife Sophie (the outstanding Wanda Moody) after being away for several years. Eugene and Roame don’t like each other. “A 35-year-old man is not a baby,” Roame says about their son to Sophie, the over-protective mom.
Then there’s Angie (JaShawn Logan), who Eugene still carries a torch for after so many years locked away (he’d been sending her letters from prison). It turns out businessman Detrick and single-parent Angie have a secret they just don’t have the guts to reveal to Eugene.
Sophie’s sister (the fabulous Joycelene) is not only a source of comic inspiration, but a conveyor of playwright Ivy Hawkins’ central message: “People make mistakes and people forgive.” It is Carolyn who pleads to Eugene to give Roame a chance to make things right with his father. Later, we see a cycle of crime repeating itself with Carolyn’s son Jamal (Navee Malik) and Angie’s son Tevin (Jayden Malik) running with and being courted by T-Rex.
In the strongest scene, we see Zeke aka Coach (the Hollywood-ready Malachi Malik Sr., who has two real-life sons in the play, Jayden and Malachi) whip Eugene and fellow ex-cons Victor aka “Chico the Merch” (Orlando Gonzalez), Moeda Pierson (Jimmy “Jay” Perrin), Mar-V (Jermel Watson), and Troy (Malachi Malik Jr.) into shape as part of a convict readjustment program. Coach Zeke lays down the rule that all the convicts must get through their 18-months of readjustment without incident or serve out their respective sentences: “If one of you fails, you all fail.”
One by one we see the convicts tell their compelling backstories in powerful monologues, including the choices they made that got them incarcerated. As the story develops we encounter a murder, and two stupendous reveals that push the Haines family to edge of disaster.
The costumes were well done by the cast and the director. I especially liked the outrageous costumes for Carolyn, including a t-shirt with a lip print on it and star-spangled pants. The guard’s (Caleb J. Jackson) uniform evoked the grimness of prison. The set was bare but effective (though the life-sized medical skeleton was a bit distracting). El made a great use of spotlights to highlight monologues and bits of action, and he made good use of sound, which he also ran. Powerfully acted, dramatic and a bit humorous, Dry Bones is family drama that entertains and instructs.
Running Time: Two hours, with one 10-minute intermission.
Dry Bones was performed for one-night-only on March 26, 2016 at THEARC – 1901 Mississippi Avenue, SE, in Washington, DC. Dry Bones will be staged again on April 9, 2016 at 5:30 pm at Henrico Theater – 305 East Nine Mile Road, in Richmond, VA. For future events at THEARC go to their calendar of events.
By Multiple Entities
| Awesome – I really enjoyed “The Great Pretender” because it did not dwell on bitterness although Monique’s character provided a healthy dose of tension. I liked the focus on themes such as enlightenment, opportunities, forgiveness, and redemption. Most of the characters were well developed; however, Perry’s character needs more depth. The audience needs to see some of his transition from cheating husband and rejected lover to husband wanting a second chance. As the primary male character he needs some of the same introspective thinking the women share; otherwise, his desire to return home seems insincere. Don’t change the ending as it’s very realistic. Finally, I liked the symbolism. The “closet” was symbolic as we all hide/forget/ignore things in the closet and James was in the closet – but all things come to light in the end.
| I really enjoyed the play and thought that it had an excellent balance of reality, humor, and religion. Not too much or too little of anything. What was most notable for me during the play was the amount of passion and conviction displayed by each actress/actor during the production. Job well done and keep following your passion.
| Just wanted to put in my two cents worth about the play. My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed it. As a matter of fact she is going to recommend it to her colleagues as well. The subject matter was about people’s lives in general but how it plays into our black community. It was funny and it was sad and had a well thought of diverse character base. Very thought provoking. Everyone played their parts to the tee and that includes my friend and colleague Ardena! Looking forward to the next one!! Ardis
| I was excited to be a part of the audience of your great performance. Since the play generated a good teaching element for what is to come; and when it comes that I thought it would also be good for to offer as a group tickets to high schools students too. Some grownups can and will identify but will not take action for whatever reason…But let God continue to use you. It was Excellent!!!!! Ms. Joanne Addison
| I really enjoyed The Great Pretender! The Play was outstanding. I was surprised by the role of my coworker Ardena Brown in the play. She played her role really well. Monique (Brendalyn Harper-Goffney) was hilarious. The Great Pretender captured my attention at all time. I will recommend this play to others. Thank you for writing a wonderful play about women in relationships and marriage. The issues were very realistic. Great Job! Eloisa
| I speak from my heart when I say, your first time will always be just that, your first time. It need not be critiqued, it need not be modified, it need not be perfected; it is, what it is, no matter how many times you perform the Great Pretender, you will never repeat your first time and that is so important because it keeps you humbled and grounded; Amen and Amen. The second performance was awesome. I had the privilege of being able to see the growth and maturity of each character, I love the fact that no one out shined another, no one did better or worse than the other, you guys truly are connected and I pray it stays that way. You guys are on your way to bigger and better! I realize you can only do so much on stage, but you leave us wanting more and more. I can’t I believe I want to see the Great Pretender every date that is scheduled, but please believe, unless the Lord says otherwise, I will be there, Love you all,very much. Min. Belinda Turner
| Awesome – I really enjoyed “The Great Pretender” because it did not dwell on bitterness although Monique’s character provided a healthy dose of tension. I liked the focus on themes such as enlightenment, opportunities, forgiveness, and redemption. Most of the characters were well developed; however, Perry’s character needs more depth. The audience needs to see some of his transition from cheating husband and rejected lover to husband wanting a second chance. As the primary male character he needs some of the same introspective thinking the women share; otherwise, his desire to return home seems insincere. Don’t change the ending as it’s very realistic. Finally, I liked the symbolism. The “closet” was symbolic as we all hide/forget/ignore things in the closet and James was in the closet – but all things come to light in the end. Janet Vernon
| The reception displayed class from the start and was very impressive. The live entertainment was of good taste and assisted in setting the mood for the evening. The theater was intimate which also made the set warm and inviting. The play was well written and very entertaining. The thought analysis and analogies were very appropriate as the story line related to real life situations. The performers had good stage presence. I was impressed with the sound system as well as not being able to visually see microphones attached to hairpieces which are distracting. With Monique’s character being introduced prior to her entering the stage, it made you anticipate how the character was going to act. She definitely lived up to her introduction and delivered great punch lines throughout the play – she had folks amused. I couldn’t wait to hear what was going to come out of her mouth each time she spoke. However, there was a slight part where she appeared to disengage herself from the others while sitting at the table. She did so by having eye contact and positioning her body towards the audience. Needless to say, she played the part exceptionally well. Ida’s character was warm and motherly as the eldest sister. She delivered her part extremely well. Her performance was natural and convincing. She appeared to display good wisdom. Although, I thought she could have taken the HIV test along with her friend, Ruth. Perry performed very well as an undercover cheater to Ida and hater of Monique. He’s definitely a bonus with his great looks. Ivy, I commend you and Dr. Thomas for a job well done! Darlene Terry