FLYIN’ WEST – Written by Pearl Cleage; Directed by Marisa D. Hebert. Produced by the Ent Center for the Arts (Dusty Loo Bon Vivant Theatre, 5225 North Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs) through July 27. Tickets available at 719-255-8181 or tickets@uccs.edu.
This Pearl Cleage classic is based on a real-life experiment by freed African Americans creating their own township in Kansas in 1877. Desiring a self-governing place to live far from the tyranny of their former owners, Nicodemus struggled but suffered a near-death knell when the promised railroad failed to come through the area. By 1888, the once booming town had shrunk to only about 40 residents. The 2020 census reported a population of 14, most of whom are involved with the Nicodemus Historical Society that offers tours of the remaining buildings and the visitor’s center that bears witness to the lost dreams.
In this tale of early prospects, a pair of sisters, Fannie (Cheerish Martin) and Minnie (Tresha Farris) have been “adopted” by the slightly older Sophie (Kristine Fountain) who showed up at their door one day to work in their laundry business and stayed on when they moved west to be part of this exciting new project. They have taken in an older, earlier resident of Nicodemus, Miss Leah (Lynne Hastings). Another neighbor, Wil (Calvin Thompson), has his own place but is sweet on Fannie and helps the ladies at every turn. The youngest sister is returning with her poet husband from London, where they have been living at the largesse of his plantation owner father. But all that luxury came to an end when his father died, and his half-brothers disavowed his birthright and stopped sending money.
The legal agreement for potential landowners is that if they can live and manage a plot of 160 acres for five years, they then have the option to buy it. Miss Leah owns her place, and Minnie and Sophie have worked hard to fulfill the requirements to own the land they have been working as well. When Fannie returns with her husband (Bobby Bennett), he discovers how much land they now own and how much white speculators are paying per acre. A plot is hatched to regain his lost lifestyle.
This cast is outstanding. The way they work together to tell this story is lovely to behold. The small second-nature gestures and shared looks tell a story of family joined in a common cause. The way they close around each other when invaded by one who doesn’t share their vision is exactly how any close-knit family would function – stilted politeness, growing anxiety, and, finally, outright rebellion.
Kristina as Sophie is the strong, rough-and-tumble leader of the pack with her ever-present shotgun and her suspicious nature. Cheerish as Fannie is pure sweetness, trusting, the mediator, until her home is threatened. Tresha’s Minnie is a troubled soul caught between the dreams of her sisters and the reality of her husband. When he had money and a place in British society, he was exciting and loving. It was hard to accept that his true nature only came out under the duress of poverty. Lynn is the loving elder figure with experience and wisdom in her pocket who provides the solution to their problems. All are layered, authentic players deeply committed to this narrative.
The men in this cast provide both sides of human nature. Calvin as Wil is shy and tremulous around Fannie until he gets a little encouragement. They then settle into couplehood with ease and grace. He is every man you would want as a life companion. Bobby, on the other hand, is the snake in the grass you too often get taken in by who proves to be your undoing. His portrayal of Frank, Minnie’s husband, is pure evil. He’s arrogant, condescending, thoughtless, cruel, manipulative, and self-centered. Did I leave anything out? Oh, yeah – he’s also literally and figuratively a bastard. Watching him is like observing a master class and provides a measure of his talent in that sweet-natured Bobby Bennett (in real life) can play a cad so convincingly.
The two rooms that are visible of their cabin are perfectly dressed and made realistic with the rustic touches provided by Dan Porten (Scenic Designer and Technical Director) and Cate Hoke, who pulled together an amazing set of authentic furniture, props, and set dressing. The Old West costumes by Nicole Watts kept us solidly placed in the late 1800s. The show starts with the sound of the wind sweeping over the Kansas landscape, all made possible by Bryse Taylor Boynton (Sound Designer). And it is all pulled together and directed by the understanding and oversight of Marisa Hebert, Director.
I know it’s a jaunt down to the Springs – but this is a worthwhile jaunt to make for a fine show.
A WOW factor of 8.75!!