The Observer, February 16, 2007
Volume XXXIX, Issue 17
Stage barbershop comes to life in Cuttin' Up
"It's the last public place…[where] black men can go to be separate." This excerpt from Craig Marberry's novel Cuttin' Up paints the underlying function of the barbershop. A place notoriously filled with chatter, news, gossip and laughs, the stage portrayal of the barbershop setting of Marberry's novel shows a depth to the barbershop that many have never seen before.
Focused around three barbers, Cuttin' Up is not only a testament to African-American history and culture, but a testament to the relations between generations of all people. The main focus of the plot is Andre, played by Darryl Alan Reed, and his struggle to accept the roots he has laid down working at Howard's barber shop.
While Andre struggles to define a home for himself, Howard is looking toward the end of his life as a barber. Played by Adolphus Ward, Howard possesses a wealth of knowledge of his trade as well as of people. The owner of a gentle heart filled with stories of family and news from around the neighborhood, Howard is like a wise father and grandfather to his two protégés. The youngest of the staff is Rudy, the barber of the twenty-first century. played by Dorian Logan. A fan of rap and hip-hop, but not as fond of showing up on time, Rudy nonetheless loves his work, and adds another dimension to the dynamic of Cuttin' Up.
Rudy, Andre, and Howard develop throughout the play through a string of customers and flashbacks. Each barber is unique, each having different reasons for being at Howard's barber shop, but sharing the same passion for the craft.
The differences between the barbers are illustrated in the play through their tastes in music. Howard is a passionate believer that jazz is the classical music of African-Americans, whereas Andre is a fan of R&B and Rudy a fan of rap. The generational gaps are defined through the music, but the sound design tastefully combines the different genres of music throughout the show.
Darryl Alan Reed is remarkable as Andre, successfully creating a troubled character whose past you desperately want to know and understand. Transitioning easily between a wise-cracking friend of Rudy's to a mentor, Reed makes Andre come to life on stage as a deep, believable human being.
Reed's success is helped greatly by Dorian Logan and Adolphus Ward. Ward embraces his role as Howard, his performance setting a foundation for the others to build off of. Logan is also spectacular as Rudy: enlivening the stage Logan seems to bring a sense of vitality to every scene he's in.
The set for Cuttin' Up was incredibly detailed, an exact replica of a barbershop down to the floor cleaner underneath the sink. Framed by a brick façade instead of curtains, the scenic designer Michael Carnahan makes you feel like you are part of the wall of the barbershop – witness to every action taken there.
As strong as the main cast is, what truly makes Cuttin' Up a top-notch show is the ensemble. Each member plays various roles almost flawlessly. Cleveland native Iona Morris plays every female character in the show so well that you can barely tell that she is the same actress.
Cuttin' Up was one of the most enjoyable shows I have been to this year. From side splitting laughter at quips like "Tight braids are a poor man's facelift" to more somber moments when the customers of the barber shop were highlighted as models of respectable black men for children from the projects, Cuttin' Up brought about a whole range of emotions.
I highly recommend seeing Cuttin' Up no matter what age you are or what background you come from. Every walk of life can get something out of this show and leave you feeling happier and maybe a little more aware of the culture and history right around you.
Cuttin' Up is playing in the Bolton Theater at the Cleveland Play House until Feb. 25. Tickets can be purchased through www.clevelandplayhouse.com or by calling (216) 795-7000, ext. 4.
Students under age 25 can go to the website and enter a promotional code for tickets at $15; regular admission tickets begin at $39. Case students can also purchase tickets at a discount; for more information, visit the website.
