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| Tracy Michelle Hughes in Pretty Fire (Erik Stuhaug) |
Pretty Fire
Through March 22
Taproot’s new black box theater space is getting some
inaugural productions and ramping up their workload around there. This month’s
production is Pretty Fire, originally
written and performed by the amazing Charlayne Woodard, who is a past-master at
telling stories alone on stage. Ms. Woodard has performed in Seattle, often at
Seattle Repertory Theatre, in the past. If she comes again, please make sure
you do everything you can to see her work in person.
But Taproot is providing a real treat by allowing the
amazing Ms. Tracy Michelle Hughes to perform the piece. Hughes has performed
the piece before, some years ago in Los Angeles, so she brings a familiarity to
it that is helpful to the overall effect. Her vigor and commitment to the work
is completely submersible into the story at hand, and she makes it her own.
This story begins with a description of Charlayne Woodard’s
birth as a preemie whose tenacity becomes part of what makes her the unique
person she is. The large, involved family and in particular, the bossy,
imperious, and loving Grandmother that holds everyone together, provide the
atmosphere that Woodard grew up with.
Woodard’s play is not shy about exposing racism, poverty,
Jim Crow, political upheaval, and other difficulties of her life. But she is
able to do so with a personal reference point that makes it more powerful and
identifiable.
She also writes about fun and enjoyable moments in family
life and entwines her family’s religious routines and beliefs, as well. In this
piece, the focus is on how she developed her love of performing and how she
came to be thrust on the stage in the first place. A cheeky description of
Grandma’s dying wish creates a clear understanding of how young children are
manipulated, sometimes for their own good, into trying things they find they
love.
Hughes’ performance is heart-warming and touching as she
performs with only a bench and flowy, easy-to-move clothing and a versatile
scarf. Director Nathan Jeffrey provides the rest of what is needed and weaves
together the great sound design by Jacob Yarborough, and lighting from Roberta
Russell in a seamless production.
Pretty Fire is a
proven piece of writing with a talented performer. It is a beautiful and moving
evening of theater. It deserves to be seen.
For more information, go to www.taproottheatre.org or call 206-781-9707.