Once every few seasons, a riveting show materializes on the
local docket. Sometimes, its fame precedes it — “Hamilton,” for instance — but
most other times, the show is still well under the radar and audiences get to
discover it themselves.
“The
Royale,” which runs at Geva Theatre Center’s Fielding
Stage through April 28, is one such show. The play by award-winning writer
Marco Ramirez (“Orange is the New Black,” “Sons of Anarchy”) opened
off-Broadway in 2016 after runs in Los Angeles and London.
The plot is
based on a true story, and follows Jay “The Sport” Jackson, a black boxer who
wants to become the heavyweight champion of the world. Jackson challenges the
current titleholder — a white man — to come out of retirement for the fight of
the decade. But in racially-charged America circa 1905, this unheard-of event
could have consequences.
The
minimalist set design by Seth Reiser places audience
members ringside for this fast-paced, 70-minute drama. An intimate cast of
five, directed by Pirronne Yousefzadeh,
has a palpable chemistry that keeps each scene sparking with energy and
suspense. (Throughout the show, many members of the audience were literally
leaning forward, on the edge of their seats.)
In the role
of Jackson, Jamal James (also seen in the national tour of “The Color Purple” and
TV’s “Gotham”) is a towering force onstage. His character requires tightly
wound, controlled focus tempered with a bit of playful humor, and James is as
charming as he is awe-inspiring. Costume designer Sarafina
Bush has created rich, period-appropriate garb for the cast, but James’s
primary costume is a simple pair of white boxing shorts. Both he and DazMann Still (TV’s “Bull,” “The Last O.G.”) are in
impeccable shape, and perform boxing feats throughout the show’s duration. Still,
who is a Rochester native, is the youngest in the cast but holds his own as
sweet-natured boxing apprentice Fish.
The staging
of the fights in “The Royale” is particularly interesting. There’s no actual
boxing — some sparring — but rather, Movement Coordinator Rocio Mendez has
created an impressive, intricate dance of foot stomps, handclaps, physical
movement, lighting (also designed, and impeccably so, by Reiser)
and sound (flawlessly designed by Chris Lane).
In the role
of Jackson’s promoter, Max, Sean Meehan (CBS’s “Elementary,” “The Good Wife”)
is equal parts salesman and circus ringmaster, wheeling and dealing Jackson to
fame and glory. But Meehan keeps a soft edge to the character, and doesn’t miss
a beat with his many quips and one-liners. As Jackson’s manager Wynton,
Alexander Thomas (who played the same role in the Toronto production) delivers
a quietly firm character that centers Jackson’s rocketing emotions. Rounding
out the cast is Lisa Tharps (Broadway’s “King
Headley,” TV’s “Elementary”) as Jackson’s sister, Nina. Though Tharps joins the show only in the second half, she makes up
for lost time with a poignant and electrifying performance.
“The Royale”
is Geva’s sixth co-production with Ithaca’s Kitchen
Theatre, and played there March 1 through 31 with the same cast and crew. Yousefzadeh is Geva’s recently
hired Associate Artistic Director and Director of Engagement, and directed last
year’s “Heartland” and 2017’s “Lake Effect.” She comes to Rochester from New
York City and has directed around the country at The Public, Actors Theatre of
Louisville, La Jolla Playhouse, Cleveland Play House, and many others.
The addition
of a non-Rochester native — and a woman — to the Geva
managing artistic staff is an exciting development, and if the power of “The
Royale” is any indication, Yousefzadeh has greatness
in store for Rochester audiences.
This article appears in Apr 17-23, 2019.
