Spunk

Think of “Spunk,” now in a deliciously realized revival at Court Theatre, as a trio of richly dramatized blues songs. Each is written and played in a winningly different key, but each is emblematic of that unique art form bred in the Deep South yet so cannily transplanted and retrofitted to life in the urban north.
 

Hurston’s writing is beguiling. And Court’s production, full of whimsy, knowing winks and all the ruefulness of life, matches it note for bluesy note.  

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

4 Stars. Sumptuously lyrical with a naturalist grit, the writing of Zora Neale Hurston is the foundation of Spunk. Adapted by George C. Wolfe, the 1991 piece tells three stories focusing on themes of retribution, desperation and redemption. Seret Scott’s honest and vivacious production celebrates the raw spirit of Hurston’s language.

If you're not familiar with the exhilarating ritual of "playing the dozens," get yourself down to Hyde Park to hear Kenn E. Head tell Chris Boykin, "Don't tell your grandmother how to milk ducks."

Hurston’s stories and Wolfe’s adaptation are remarkably brought to life by Spunk ’s vibrant quintet of actors. The show demands versatility: each performer sings, dances and alternately narrates the action and becomes part of it. As performers rarely leave the stage, endurance is also a key factor, yet no cast member ever runs out of energy. Patrese D. McClain amazes with three prominent roles as a suffering washerwoman, an indignant young urbanite and a conflicted newlywed. Kenn E. Head manages to be sleazy and terrifying in two vignettes, darkly hilarious in a third. Recent DePaul grad Chris Boykin gives a touching portrayal of a wronged yet determined husband, and Michael Pogue brings a sweet silliness to a zoot-suited pimp. Tying it all together with lively banter and the most glorious of voices is Rogers’ Blues Speak Woman. Whether she’s flirting with audience members, impersonating a portly giggling gold digger or sassing her fellow performers, Rogers is a magnetic, sparkling force of nature.

Spunk is an extremely well performed work that gives all six cast members their moments to sparkle. Each are funny, empathetic and truthful. I was particularity impressed by  Michael Pogue and Kenn E. Head’s smart comic work. Spunk is a fun work that gives audiences a glimpse into a world that we probably have little contact with. This show is amazingly well presented.

I left the theater wishing this team of artists could continue telling stories - tales which I know would make me think, feel, and laugh.  We can't have too much of that these days.