When the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe first staged Zora Neale Hurston's “Spunk” 11 years ago, it marked a turning point in the company’s growth after a series of light musicals and revues.
Bluesman Sammy Blue on guitar and singer Deidra Grace provide a scene-setting musical backdrop to the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's production of "Spunk." Don Daly Photo
In its own lively, spirited way, “Spunk,” adapted by George C. Wolfe from three of Hurston’s stories about troubled relationships and started a maturing process for the now 15-year-old company.
While the new production staged by Jim Weaver isn’t always as gripping as it could be, audiences can see a much more assured company, on all levels, tackling some challenging, inspiring and often uplifting material.
Each of the stories is set to an assortment of blues songs (by Chic Street Man) performed by guitarist Sammy Blue and singer Deidra Grace as Blues Speak Woman. The songs give a funky, earthy tone to the action on stage and set a nice period feeling for the late 1920s to early 1930s.
Steve Patmagrian’s set of wood-planked platforms adapts to work as a simple country farmhouse in Florida or the streets of Harlem, and works well with Cristy Owen’s folksy and showy costumes under Michael Pasquini's warm lighting.
Each of the stories is told with touches of humor amid more serious subjects, like the spousal abuse that is at the heart of the opening segment “Sweat.”
Candace C. Culcleasure plays the hard-working Delia, who can’t please her husband Sykes (played by Yohance Myles). He objects to her washing clothes for white people, especially on Sunday, and he wishes she wasn’t so skinny. He flaunts another, heavier woman around town, promising to lavish her with gifts, while trying to hurt his wife. The story fades to a degree, but is leavened with humor from the comical observers played by Earley Dean Wilson III and Joel Patrick King, who comment on the relationship while gnawing on sugar cane.
Earley Dean Wilson III, left, Yohance Myles and Candace C. Culcleasure in "The Story in Harlem Slang," a scene from
Zora Neale Hurston's "Spunk" at the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. Don Daly Photo
And Grace, playing a store owner, becomes a porch philosopher noting how men treat women like sugar cane. They chew out all the sweet juiciness and then move on.
Myles and Culcleasure play a far happier couple in the final scene, “The Gilded Six-Bits.” This time he’s the hard-working Joe, and she’s the loving, devoted Missie May who keeps their home beautiful. But she gets seduced by the gold coins sported by a slimy hustler, which puts a serious tear in their relationship. There’s a surprising pleasure watching the two actors move from bliss to desperation and heartache as the characters try to find a new balance.
In between, comes “The Story in Harlem Slang,” about two well-dressed gigolos played by Myles and Wilson humorously competing for the attentions of a domestic worker on her pay day off. The two men preen like peacocks, stretching their bodies in ridiculous positions to make the strongest impression on Culcleasure who is none too impressed. King narrates and comments on the story with a big grin.
Joel Patrick King, with Yohance Myles, left, and Candace C. Culcleasure in a scene from "Spunk" at the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. Don Daly Photo
Throughout the evening, the blues keeps playing, adding to the grit and spirit of perseverance that was a hallmark of Hurston’s own career. There are moments when the stories don’t stir all the punch you expect, but they do make you feel something and appreciate how the Westcoast Troupe has grown.
THEATER REVIEW
SPUNK
By Zora Neale Hurston, adapted by George C. Wolfe. Directed by Jim Weaver. Reviewed April 17, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1646 10th Way, Sarasota. Through May 17. Tickets are $29.50. 366-1505; westcoastblacktheatre.org
