October 17th-November 9th, 2008
Spencer Theater, UMKC

Being black in America is a way of life highly scrutinized in this year of Obamania. The KC Repertory Theater’s presentation of Radio Golf steps in and resonates with the implications and possibilities that are surfacing in Americas’ evolving socio-political landscape.

The basic story line is about a wealthy, golf-nutty African-American man, Harmond Hicks (Kevyn Morrow), who is in charge of a redevelopment project in a run-down neighborhood in Pittsburgh in 1997. He has gone to Cornell, been brought up with money, and seemingly has enough power to run for mayor. Until he runs headlong into a couple of characters who smack him between the eyes with his history and his conscience.

The cast, a stellar quintet consisting of…oh, my…I just realized that the actor who played the elder Joseph Barlow, a man who continues to paint his house yellow even as demolition is scheduled to doze it down, is none other than Abdul Salaam El Razzac. I hate to name-drop, but I met this stellar human being at a shi-shi art party in L.A. The reason he is stellar is that he was the only dude who was listening as my vocal-guitar duo played to the self-important crowd through a crappy P.A. system. He also had many TV and movie roles, including 8 Mile, the Eminem biopic. His performance in Radio Golf carries you emotionally through how the thread of a neighborhood’s past weaves its way into its future, no matter who is driving the heavy equipment.

Julia Pace Mitchell, who plays Mame Wilkes, the wife of the main character, sounded like she had a cold, yet presented her go-getter, and somewhat opportunist, character with the energy it deserved. Hats off to those who know the show must go on.

Wiley Moore, who plays Wilks’ even more golf-crazy sidekick, is one of the funniest guys I’ve ever seen, ok? I can’t get over his timing and how his facial expressions convey so much depth. Roosevelt Hicks has no qualms about taking over a radio station and loading the between-song bumpers with golf tips. And putting in the office between meetings.

Sterling Johnson (Stanley Wayne Mathis) is the conscience of the story. A carpenter of sorts, he sports a complete tool belt and claims membership to a self-proclaimed trade union. He dons red war paint to fight the power and is proud of what he has done with his life. His character feels like it is part of the neighborhood itself.

You could be watching a movie, or a good television drama, or sitting in your seat in Spencer Theater and you wouldn’t know the difference. The synergy and timing shared by this ensemble gives you live access to true star power. Absolutely not to be missed!!!!

Rating: 5+ out of 5 stars.