Jumping Over The Fence
Jumping Over the Fence
WHITE PICKET FENCE, a new comedy by Michael Grady, features the following performers: (L to R top row) LYNCH TRAVIS, CHARLOTTE NELSON, CHRISTINE HUDDLE, JON BENNET, (L to R bottom) WALTER LINSEY, SCOTT SCREWS.
We can navigate the void of space but we can't seem to cross the gulf between races. In recent times, much has been made of consciousness-raising and diversification, but how much have things changed since the civil rights movement of the tumultuous 60's?
Michael Grady's play White Picket Fence does not offer a preachy, definitive answer; instead it examines this issue through the eyes of Dwight,who is white. Beginning with their awkward chance meetings as adults, the play flashes back to their childhood friendship in 1968 and '69, when the Apollo 8 and the moonwalk of Apollo 11 fill them with awe at mankind's apparently limitless potential.
Their families, guided by the children, make halting attempts to overcome their resistance to each other. But when Dwight's family, newly arrived in David's all-white neighborhood, is violently harassed by other residents, it becomes clear that whatever progress the children's families have made, mankind has a long way to go. Dwight and David discover this more and more as they look back with adult eyes on their childhood experiences.
What is the difference between technological and human progress, or between surface and inner change? These themes are explored with humor and sensitivity throughout the play.
Stages at Performance Network,White Picket Fence is directed by Johanna Broughton to bring out the funny and touching moments in the lives of these men. Instead of a "warm and fuzzy" feeling, this play presents the thinking audience member with a challenge to push his or her potential beyond limits.
The Performance Network's production dates of White Picket Fence by Michael Grady are: May 8-10, 14-17, 21-24 & 28-31. Show times are 8pm Thursday through Saturday, 2 &7pm Sunday. Tickets are $15 general, $12 students & seniors, (Thursdays are "Pay-What-You-Can" night). or more information and reservations please call (734)663-0681. -Libby Walen