I HAD A DREAM…

F. J. Hartland

High school student Marcus Eshu is troubled by three things: his father died when he was a small boy, he is haunted by a recurring dream and he is “sweet” (slang for gay).

This is the basis for the current production of Marcus; Or the Secret of Sweet by Tarrell Alvin McCraney at City Theatre.

First may I say…what a terrible title.

The second thing that bothered me was the constant narration by the character.  For example, when a character would enter, she would say “Oba enters.”  What?  I can’t see that she has entered?  Granted, occasionally it was good for a chuckle—but it got tiresome…quickly.

Overall, the cast of Marcus… is riveting. 

Larry Powell is freah and sweet and charming as Marcus. 

Bria Walker are sassy and fun as Marcus’ two gal-pals Osha and Shaunta lyun.  Maurice McRae has some interesting moments in the role of Ogun Size.

But it is Starla Benford and Jaime Lincoln Smith who steal the show.  Both of these fine actors play dual roles, and (if you’re as impressed as I), you’ll be checking and re-checking your program to see if it really is the same actor.  Benford and Smith each play three separate characters—each one so distinct, you will be amazed.

Director Robert O’Hara keeps the play moving at a good pace. 

He is greatly added by Tony Ferrieri’s set.   Real rain falls on an interlocking maze of weathered wooden “docks” which bridge a real pool of water.  (Mr. Smith has the dubious honor of taking several plunges into the water).

Andrew Ostrowski’s lighting seem to be having technical difficulties on opening night as lights would pop on and off without any real purpose.

Fight choreography by Catherine Moore was so amateur that it bordered on embarrassing.

The style of this very presentational play seemed very unbalanced.  What kind of play is Marcus…?  Don’t ask me.  I haven’t a clue.  And about 75 minutes into it, I didn’t really care what Marcus’s dream was all about.

I am sure I was in the minority as the Friday night audience seemed to be thoroughly engaged.  Other than the powerful performances and Mr. Ferrieri’s set, I was not so entertained.

Marcus; Or the Story of Sweet continues through February 13.