The “Six Degrees of Separation” premiere Thursday night at the Greenwood Little Theatre proved that the thought-provoking play, which debuted in 1990, is just as timely today.
The play tackles heavy issues, such as race, class and how a person defines his or her own identity. While much of the play requires the audience to think about these issues and how they are affecting each of the characters, the story provides several laughs through comedic situations and dialogue between the characters, offsetting the overall heavier theme.
Directed by Greenwood Little Theatre vet Bobby Vandevender, “Six Degrees of Separation” tells the tale of Paul “Poitier,” a young African-American man who cons his way into the homes of several white upper-class New Yorkers by telling them he is the son of actor Sidney Poitier, who is referred in the play as the “Jackie Robinson of films.”
The play is chock-full of symbolism and foreshadowing and uses character monologues — some intense with emotion — and flashbacks.
The star of the night was Justin B. Robinson, who gave a captivating performance as Paul “Poitier.” From the moment Paul walks on stage in his blood-stained Oxford shirt, he takes the audience into the mindset of a highly intelligent, though very disillusioned, con man. This is the first GLT production in seven years in which Robinson has been featured and is his first leading role.
Another highlight is the outstanding performances of Flan Kittredge (Eddie Amelung) and Ouisa Kittredge (Connie Black) — a wealthy art dealer and his wife who are duped by Paul “Poitier.” At the start of the play, the Kittredges, clad in bathrobes, grab the audience’s attention as they both run around their home in a panic.
Supporting cast members Pam Powers as Kitty, Cham Trotter as Larkin and Buddy Hendricks as Dr. Fine add layers to the plot, as they play other well-off Manhattanites fooled by Paul “Poitier.”
Children of the conned characters Tess Kittredge (Alicia Dallas), Woody Kittredge (Marvin Haley), Ben (Forrest Hodge) and Doug Fine (Cameron Griffin) assist their parents in finding the connection — the “Six Degrees of Separation” — between their parents.
Also notable performances that added depth to the story were that of Will Perkins and Mary-Holly Fleming, who play couple Rick and Elizabeth from Utah living in the city. The couple is also tricked by Paul “Poitier.”
Toward the end of the play Ouisa Kittredge seems to connect with Paul “Poitier” and becomes emotionally attached in a maternal way to the young con artist, who so desperately wants to be a part of her world — the lavish life of an Upper East Side New Yorker.
The two give an outstanding and emotional performance close to the end of “Six Degrees” during a phone conversation in which Ouisa pleads with Paul to turn himself in to the police.
“Six Degrees of Separation,” a smartly-written and directed ambitious and edgy play, contains adult content and subject matter. Parental discretion is advised.
Reserved seating, tickets and GLT memberships are available at www.greenwoodlittletheatre.com.
• Contact Ruthie Robison at 581-7233 or rrobison@gwcommonwealth.com.
