I did not have the pleasure of seeing the original production of “Ceremonies In Dark Old Men,” the play written by Lonne Elder III, depicting a struggling Black family living in Harlem in the 1950s and running an unsuccessful barber shop. But I have now, and it was quite pleasurable. Playing at the Theatre at St. Clement’s on W 46th Street, the production delves into the plight of the Parker family, which consists of a father, Russell Parke, and his 3 adult children: Adele, Theopolis (Theo), and Bobby. The father has not worked in decades, and his late wife died working to support him and their adult sons, who feel they don’t need to work for a living. The role of taking care of three adult males has now, sadly, fallen to Adele, and while she resents it, she has taken the burden on — but has now come to the end of her rope. She has told her father and brothers to get jobs or else. Worried about the “or else,” Theo comes up with a way to make money in Harlem that is definitely seedy. We watch as this family’s lives get propelled into a troubled direction.
Presented by The Peccadillo Theater Company, Negro Ensemble Company Inc. and Eric Falkenstein, the audience witnesses the highs and lows of these characters, the in-fighting, the feelings of anxiety and frustration, and the sense of being out of control. The cast is beautifully led by Norm Lewis as Russell Parker. You experience the struggles that his character endures as he comes face to face with his own shortcomings. His feelings of loss over the death of his wife are palpable, but you also sense his frustration that his inability to work is not his fault. He is a man who just wants to enjoy some part of his old age and feel good about himself, instead of being ashamed.
Powerful performances come from each of his fellow castmates. Bryce Michael Wood is angry and misdirected in his pursuit of success as Theo. He is also trying to find a way to feel like a man. Morgan Siobhan Green is as straightforward and bold as Adele. Her frustration with having to take care of three grown men is keenly felt by the audience. It’s interesting to see what other layers this character unveils as she tries to find happiness. Jeremiah Packer is memorable as Bobby, the youngest and the thief of the family, who feels overlooked and undervalued. James Foster Jr. is delightful, funny, and charming as Russell’s oldest friend, Jenkins. Calvin M. Thompson is brutishly disturbing as Blue, a criminal who has his own business pursuits in Harlem. Thompson plays this character with a coldness that could give you chills. Felicia Boswell is engaged as Young Girl, a love interest of Russell Parker.
This production is stunningly directed by the one and only Clinton Turner Davis. It features a detailed set design by Harry Feiner, costume design by Isabel Rubio, lighting design by Jimmy Lawlor, and hair and makeup design by Jeff Knaggs. For more info and for tickets, visit tdf.org. Make plans to see “Ceremonies In Dark Old Men.” It talks of a Harlem from a time gone bye, but it is still quite interesting to behold. For ticket information, visit www.ThePeccadillo.com.