The show seems borne of both the moment and a historical perspective, detailing current struggles, past events and a look toward the future. Scott is clearly after larger themes with this unique piece of theater. Robert Brill’s scenic design, featuring a bare stage and an elevated screen with projected images, helps keep the focus on the men and their stories. When a solitary character heads to the edge of the stage, looks the audience in the eye and lets them know how he is feeling, there’s an intimacy that is earned and an emotional response that is obvious. They collectively bring to life these “thoughts” in a variety of forms, most movingly being the intimate monologue. They give everything they have to the theatrical framework created by Scott, and they are aided by the directorial choices of Steve H. The cast members - from Dyllón Burnside as Love, Bryan Terrell Clark as Happiness, Luke James as Passion and Tristan Mack Wilds as Anger - are wonderful and in command of their respective roles. Later on, he seeks forgiveness, and Wisdom doesn’t let the moment pass without imparting some of his hard-earned knowledge. In one pivotal scene, he comes at odds with Wisdom and is thrown out of the barber shop (rightfully so given his actions).
His character has a lot to learn over the course of this narrative, and his journey is a tough one. Playing the role of Lust, Da’Vinchi is a similarly excellent performer as well. As his character name suggests, he shares stories and lessons to be learned with the younger patrons of his shop, often with his anecdotes receiving praise and context from Depression. There’s also a brilliance behind the performance of Esau Pritchett as Wisdom, the owner of the local barber shop and a soon-to-be grandfather. He is a skilled actor who bears his conscience, his strength and his insights to the audience. He plays Depression and is given some of the best lines in the play, and his story arc becomes one of the more dominant ones throughout the evening. They are separate voices, each on their own individual trajectory, but they are bonded together through friendship, family and conversations.įorrest McClendon is a standout amongst the cast members. Another man works at a local Whole Foods store and criticizes the obvious gentrification of the neighborhood. Another man runs a barber shop where patrons need to contribute to a swear jar if they use profanity. One man is about to welcome a baby with his wife. Within their stories, the characters offer glimpses of who they are and what they might be celebrating or struggling with in life.
Over the next 100 minutes, they share their thoughts and emotions, sometimes through dialogue, sometimes through music and poetry. The actors walk to the center of the stage at the play’s beginning, addressing the audience and welcoming them to the theatrical experience. The narrative structure of the piece is interesting and unique. Depicting the life, love, loss and feelings of seven Black men, the show is a powerful examination of many different themes, which also appear as the characters’ names: Love, Happiness, Wisdom, Lust, Passion, Depression and Anger. NEW YORK - Keenan Scott II’s play Thoughts of a Colored Man is receiving a stirring and moving production at Broadway’s Golden Theatre. Photo courtesy of Julieta Cervantes / Provided by DKC O&M with permission. Photo: From left, Tristan Mack Wilds, Dyllón Burnside, Forrest McClendon and Da’Vinchi star in Broadway’s Thoughts of a Colored Man.
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