TOPDOG/UNDERDOG – Written by Suzan-Lori Parks; Directed by Steven Sapp. Produced by Curious Theatre Company (Presented at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance’s Historic Shorter AME Building, 119 Park Avenue West, Denver ) through September 20. Tickets available at 303-623-0524 or boxoffice@CuriousTheatre.org.
Suzan-Lori is an extraordinary writer. To have such insight into the family dynamics between two brothers makes you wonder what her relationships with her own siblings must have been. She grew up in a military family, the middle of three children, that were moved from post to post, foreign and domestic throughout her early life. The back and forth between Lincoln and Booth (Such ironic names for the siblings in the play) ran the gauntlet of need, want, envy, admiration and the companionship of family and a shared past. But had they not been brothers, they most likely would not have been friends.
Cajardo Lindsay is universally recognized as one of the most accomplished actors in Denver. The part of Lincoln used all of the layers he has accumulated over the years. The depth of his tiredness spoke in every gesture and in the way he collapsed into a chair. Not just his body, but his heart and soul were tired. Moving with the grace of a wary panther, under a different set of circumstances, his life could have been so different. He never had a chance at better circumstances. In spite of his flash anger, kindness rests deep in his soul.
Rakeem Lawrence as Booth is newer to Denver, but rapidly cutting a wide swath through the theatre scene in short order. Both actors were originally seen together in Curious’ earlier production of the award-winning DOWNSTATE. His Booth character as well called on a complicated inner life and vulnerability he would steadfastly deny if called on it. Did he really want to follow in the footsteps of his brother through admiration or just as a shortcut – no matter how dangerous – to street success? How can a man be hot-blooded and cold-blooded at the same time? Was his competition with his brother to best him or to make him proud? Rakeem’s ability to inhabit Booth to show the depth of his need, especially in the realm of female acceptance, was both frightening and sad. His middle name is “Bad Decisions.”
Another thoughtful set designed by Tina Anderson, dressed by Annette Westerby, gave the Brothers an authentically disgusting place to sleep, plan, and remember. Wallpaper peeling off the walls, a phone that doesn’t work, a fold down bed, the bathroom down the hall, all provide clues to their economic situation. Lincoln’s “job” as a namesake President who gets “assassinated” over and over again in a boardwalk arcade allows them only the basics.
The story of these two is best seen in person with no clues as to what will happen next and how the story continues. If you want to see excellent portraits of souls in turmoil and their struggles to improve their joint (whether they like it or not) lives, grab a ticket and get over to see the show.
Performing in Cleo Parker Robinson’s comfortable historic theatre home appears to be working. This was an appropriate beginning to Curious’ new season. More to come.
A personal note: In a talkback after the show, Carjardo was asked why he had wanted to do this role. He quietly told of the first time he had seen the show when it was done by Shadow Theatre featuring founder Jeffrey Nickelson and Damion Hoover. At the time, he was too young to play Booth. It was touching to see the respect he gave the two first actors to do the roles in Denver. As a friend of Jeffrey who has since passed to that great theatre in the sky, I was touched by the way one great actor honored the legacy of another great actor. Thank you, Cajardo.
A WOW factor of 9!!