jitney

Character-Driven ‘Jitney’ at Ford’s Theatre

By Gretchen R. Crowe
HERALD Staff Writer
(From the Issue of 2/1/07)

Like father, like son. Or not?
August Wilson’s social commentary “Jitney,” playing at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, questions family legacy, race, respect, morals, honesty and love through the lives of five cab drivers and their family and friends in late-1970s Pittsburgh.
The nine-person play delves into the complex relationships of African-Americans, especially between father and son, and shows the evolution of the black conscience in the post-civil rights era.
Almost completely character-driven, the nearly three-hour, two-act play, directed by Jennifer L. Nelson and produced by Paul R. Tetreault, drags at the beginning, but picks up once a storyline is established. The five cabbies, brought together by the same employment but little else, work out of a soon-to-be demolished building in downtown Pittsburgh. The “Car Service” (a “jitney” is an unlicensed taxicab) is led by boss Jim Becker (Frederick Strother), a man from a throwback generation who sacrificed even his own pride for the good of his family. Becker’s son, Booster (Craig Wallace), has been recently released from a 20-year stint in prison for the murder of a young white woman who betrayed him, and returns to Pittsburgh to make amends with his father. He finds Becker unable to forgive his son’s lack of morality.
Becker, who self-sacrificed so his son could excel, can’t understand how Booster could throw away a lifetime of potential just to exact revenge; Booster can’t understand how his father can turn a blind eye to those who try to belittle him because of race.
This generation gap also is manifested in Youngblood (KenYatta Rogers), the youngest jitney driver, who Becker takes under his wing and guides by gentle words and example.
The drama is intense, with strong language, allusions to sexual activity and a minor theme of alcoholism. Comic relief (still often intense) is provided by busybody Turnbo (Doug Brown), perpetual drunk Fielding (David Emerson Toney) and jitney customer Philmore (Addison Switzer).
The one-room set of the cab station, designed by Tony Cisek, serves as a community gathering place where the cabbies play together, fight together and grieve together.
Cab driver Doub (Cleo Reginald Pizana), gambler Shealy (Michael Anthony Williams) and Youngblood’s girlfriend Rena (Jessica Frances Duke) round out the strong cast of characters, on which the play relies for success.
“Jitney” plays through Feb. 18. For tickets call 202/397-7328 or go to www.fordstheatre.org.
Gretchen R. Crowe can be reached at gcrowe@catholicherald.com.