FENCES A REVIEW

In his 1987 prize play FENCES playright August Wilson created one of his most memorable characters in the person of Troy Maxson,a hard working blue collar worker who wants nothing more than to survive and to keep his family together. As played by the great James Earl Jones in the 1987 original ,this was a man of great nobility and stature. In this long awaited Broadway revival Denzel Washington [another fine actor better known for his movies rather then his stage work] offers a more playful and and earthy take on the role and he is just as effective in his own way as Mr Jones was. He has the talent and stature to bring off this difficult and challanging role and he offers a triumphantly valid performance. He is evenly matched by the great Viola Davis as his long suffering wife of 18 years. Ms. Davis is a superb actress and she acts this tricky and difficult role triumphantly.
Aside from these two topflight performances the rest of this revival is spotty. Kenny Leons' stage direction is intermittntly effective being good in the big scenes and underpowered in the quieter moments,and the rest of the acting company is fine if not exceptional.
The Santo Loquasto sets, Constanza Romero costumes and Brian MacDevitt lighting are first rate and there is some effective background music by jazz great Branford Marsalis.
So there are many fine points in this revival of FENCES and it is well worth seeing, but for one aisle-sitter of long standing there was a slight blandness and lack of energy that hung over the entire evening. For me the show needed a little more get up and go.
At THE CORT THEATRE 138 WEST 48th STREET N.Y.C.