THE PLAY: A retired black police officer lives in his Riverside apartment with his son and 2 others, but the shadows from an event 8 years earlier still linger.

 

THE PRODUCTION: This play starts out feeling like a cruder version of a ’70s sitcom with a feisty father and his cheeky house mates. It develops into a more compelling drama about familial relationships with a sprinkling of racial stress. As the show’s fulcrum, David Emerson Toney lands a powerhouse performance as the outspoken, but emotionally-guarded Pops. The rest of the excellent cast create convincing characters with distinctive personalities and spot-on accents. Director Tawnya Pettiford-Wates has allowed the actors to shine, while keeping the interactions lively. It never gets emotionally profound, but the characters manage to stay compelling. The set features another of Rich Mason’s fine living rooms with a bonus balcony. Running time: 2:05

 

THE POINT: Grounded by David Emerson Toney’s authoritative performance, this ensemble creates an involving group of interesting individuals.

 

(4 / 5)

 

Co-produced by Virginia Rep and Cadence Theatre at the Theatre Gym thru 11/4