At the Geffen through August 8.
If you missed Laurence Fishburne in “Fences” at Pasadena Playhouse a few years back, as I did, be sure to take advantage of the opportunity to catch him in “Thurgood,” running through August 8 at the Geffen Playhouse in Westwood. This monodrama is far more than a bio-play about Thurgood Marshall; it’s the history of racial discrimination in America. And Fishburne and his collaborators, notably writer George Stevens Jr. and director Leonard Foglia, bring the story of the first African American Supreme Court justice alive in a way no history book or classroom lecture could.
That Fishburne is a dynamic stage actor should surprise no one; that the quiet little moments work as well as the big ones makes the LA premiere of this Tony-nominated solo performance a must-see. Stevens wisely levens the history with large dollops of humor, and an earthiness befitting Marshall’s beginnings on the backstreets of Baltimore. A few minutes could be trimmed here and there, but you’ll be captivated 95% of the show’s 95-minute running time. Call 310-208-5454.
On my weekend agenda: Pulitzer Prize finalist and Obie Award-winning African American playwright Dael Orlandersmith also arrived in Los Angeles this week, offering the West Coast premiere of her one-woman show “Stoop Stories” at the Center Theatre Group’s Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City. The piece, scripted by and performed by Orlandersmith, and directed by Jo Bonney, will be presented for six performances only, through July 11.
“Stoop Stories” recalls diverse characters from the New York neighborhoods of Orlandersmith’s youth, including a rocker-turned-junkie, a young poet and an elderly Jewish immigrant—who remembers an encounter with a down-on-her-luck Billie Holiday. The playwright will follow her solo piece with the world premiere of her new play “Bones” (July 30 through August 8), as part of the innovative DouglasPlus series. Call (213) 628-2772.
Hot tip: The West Coast Premiere of Brad Fraser’s “True Love Lies” opens tonight at the Monkey Wrench in Fullerton, where it runs through August 14. Opening weekend is nearly sold out. Call 800-838-3006.
More from Jordan:
Wacky webisodes for ‘Lien’ times; O-Lan Jones’ multimedia opera
Fullerton's STAGEStheatre revisits ‘Spring's Awakening’ & ‘Twilight Zone’
Pageant of the Masters revels in Laguna; ‘Lion in Winter’ roars in Orange
Kino’s American Film Theatre set preserves great plays on DVD
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