Is there any doubt that Tony Todd commands the stage'
Not after the outstanding performance he delivered opening night at "How I Learned What I Learned," on the main stage of Labuda Center for the Performing Arts at DeSales University in Center Valley.
The opening show of Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival presents the charismatic actor in this riveting one-man memoir written by August Wilson.
Originally performed by the playwright in 2003, the play is a natural fit for Todd, an actor with long experience of Wilsons plays including originating the title role in the world premiere of Wilsons "King Hedley II" in 1999.
Todd, deftly directed by Christopher V. Edwards, takes the audience through Wilsons early days in the streets of the Hill District in Pittsburgh, where Wilsons plays were mostly set. We see through Wilsons own eyes how the neighborhood, and the people in it influenced his later writing and formed his strongly held perceptions of the black experience.
Todd, firmly but drolly, establishes that racism is a thread that ran through Wilsons life as soon as he walks onto a wooden platform on stage. After hanging up his coat to reveal a t-shirt that reads "I am supposed to be white," Todd delivers a wry monologue about the history of slavery and the lasting effects on black America.
But even more effective is Todds delivery of Wilsons accounts of the pervasive racism he faces in nearly every aspect of his life and how it drives him to stand up to it at every turn.
Todds Wilson is coolly determined as he recounts immediately turning down jobs he needed when he encounters blatant racism.
He is touchingly proud when he tells of his mothers determination to save up change to buy a new washing machine, after she "wins" a washing machine in a contest and she refuses it when sponsors try to give her a used machine instead.
Despite all the hardships Wilson endured, Todd conveys a sardonic humor and a wide-eyed appreciation of life, particularly in a sequence when he talks about Wilson hearing John Coltrane play at a local club. Todd expresses Wilson pure awe and realization of the power of art as he stood with a hundred people outside the club because they couldnt afford to go inside.
The play ends powerfully as sheets of paper representing his scripts rain down on Todd as all of Wilsons play titles flash up on a video screen behind the stage.
The performance runs 90 minutes with no intermission. The plays contains adult subject matter and strong language is recommended for ages 13 an older,
There will be limited capacity and social distancing in the audience and masks are required during the entire performance. Performances are at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday through July 11.
Tickets are $25 to $60.
For information go to www.pashakespeare.org, or call 610-282-9455.