Terrific Ensemble Brings Eloquent Humor, Pathos to “Two Trains Running”

Like any play that seriously deals with the history of race relations in America, “Two Trains Running” has dark moments. Many of the African-American characters in the late August Wilson’s play, who are gathered in a Pittsburgh diner in 1969, feel a sense of grievance over the past wrongs they’ve suffered.

And yet, director Chuck Smith’s new staging of the play at Goodman Theatre is a real delight to watch, a moving and entertaining series of conversations filled with plenty of humor as well as pain and frustration. Like the other dramas in Wilson’s 10-play cycle about black life in the 20th century, which includes one play for each decade, “Two Trains Running” subtly and eloquently addresses the weighty subject of race by showing realistic characters talking the way people really talk.

The ensemble show’s cast is terrific. Terry Bellamy plays Memphis, the bossy owner of the diner, who is still dreaming about returning to his Southern hometown to get revenge for the humiliations he experienced decades earlier. Alfred Wilson is charming as the know-it-all Holloway, a regular customer who dispenses sage wisdom.

Anthony Irons plays the roguish Wolf, who’s taking money (and occasionally dispensing it) in the local numbers game. Chester Gregory plays Sterling, a hotshot youngster just out of prison who seems destined for trouble. Both of these guys are eyeing waitress Risa, who has scarred her legs to scare off men. Nambi E. Kelley’s facial expressions add great depths to Risa, a quiet character who’s often present in scenes without saying much.

The richest man in the surrounding black neighborhood is West, who runs the funeral home across the street, and A.C. Smith plays him with a bit of a lordly air. And then there’s the man everyone calls Hambone, who’s been mentally damaged by his grievance. He keeps repeating the same thing over and over again: “I want my ham! Give me my ham!” As this pitiful character, actor Ernest Perry Jr. makes you laugh, and then he makes you shudder.

In one scene, the characters chillingly describe police shootings of black citizens. The audience on opening night clearly saw the connections between today’s events and Wilson’s play (which originally debuted in 1990). Much has changed with race relations in America since the late 1960s, but much remains the same.

In addition to this great production of “Two Trains Running,” the Goodman is also part of a citywide festival celebrating August Wilson for the next month, including free readings of his other plays. Visit the Goodman’s website for details; it’s an opportunity to explore the work of one of America’s finest playwrights.

 

Two Trains Running” continues through April 12 at Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, Chicago. Call 312-443-3800 or visit the Goodman’s website for tickets and schedule.

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