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Regional Reviews: Washington, D.C. We Are Gathered Also see Susan's review of Twelfth Night
First of all, director Kent Gash has brought together six dynamic actors whose performances meld beautifully into an ensemble. They all see the work from the same perspective and watching them, as individual performers and together, is a treat. The action begins with Wallace Tre (Kyle Beltran) and Free (Nic Ashe) questioning whether marriage is the logical step following their falling in love and moving in together. Complicating the matter is that their relationship began as a single, anonymous encounter in a wooded park known as a popular cruising spot–not exactly the answer their families expect when they ask "So, how did you meet?" One thing that Wallace (also known as "Dubs") and Free share is a childhood without traditional parent figures. Free was raised by his Pop Pop (Craig Wallace), a minister, and hilariously outspoken Nana Jae (Jade Jones) after his parents died; Wallace's father (Kevin Mambo) lived with his other family, including daughter Punkin (Nikkole Salter). McCraney takes his time filling in the details of his characters, set on Jason Sherwood's featureless set: a circular platform edged by a color-shifting ring of light (Adam Honore's lighting design also includes a similar ring hovering above the stage, floor lighting around the sides of the stage, and street lights to convey the park atmosphere). At times the drama seems to move too slowly, an issue the playwright will be able to address in future productions. Another unique element is the way the playwright makes the audience part of the action. The characters accept the presence of strangers watching them and learning their stories. In fact, a "wedding reception" (cookies and sparkling wine) in the theater lobby follows the curtain call, and couples attending the play are invited to share their own marriage vows onstage during select performances. We Are Gathered runs through June 15, 2025, at Arena Stage, Fichandler Stage, Mead Center for American Theater, 1101 6th St. SW, Washington DC. For tickets and information, please call 202-488-3300 or visit www.arenastage.org. By Tarell Alvin McCraney Cast: |
