REVIEW: Fathers and Sons
Tracey A. Leigh as Yvette Goodwater. Photo: Chris Bennion.Fathers and Sons by Michael Bradford has its World Premiere at the ACT Theatre this month. This play deals with the common misunderstandings between generations and family history; The common but hard to define “what it means to be a man, within your family.”
The play rolls out like a well layered dish. One surprise after another is revealed and placed within the context of the information being given to the audience.
William Hall Jr. as Leon Goodwater, Wilbur Pennas Benard Goodwater and Reginald Andre Jackson
as Marcus Goodwater. Photo: Chris Bennion.
It is a small cast with four strong actors who bring to the stage vitality and emotions that make you care about what is being said on the stage. Reginald Andre Jackson, who plays Marcus, is exciting to watch as the pivotal player in this story.
One of the delights of this play is the use of jazz music that intermixes with the 
story being told. Wilbur Penn plays Bernard, the ghost of a jazz musician and father of a drug addict, Leon Goodwater (William Hall Jr.). I think in many people’s lives, important moments or events can be connected to what was playing on the radio or what they remember hearing that was popular at the time.
The play, with its tragic event, does come full circle but still leaves us with the hope for a new beginning for all of the characters. Deservingly, the play concluded with a standing ovation by the audience.
Fathers and Sons is playing now through May 25, 2008 at The Act Theatre. Tickets are available online at www.acttheatre.org.
Reviewed by
Ethyl W.
for Seattle Gay Scene
