Gov.-elect Jindal touts change during Houma visit
October 31, 2007November 2
November 2, 2007Houma’s Sam & Jim Acting Company is new to the Tri-parish theatre scene, but it suffered a terrible setback when company co-founder Anthony Taub tragically ended his life a few months ago.
Nevertheless, the company will go forward with its next production, “Topdog/Underdog,” Suzan-Lori Parks’ acid portrayal of black underclass life which won a Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2002.
“The spirit of Anthony will hang over our entire season,” said co-founder Charles Savoy.
The company will honor Taub in its production of “Topdog/Underdog,” but Savoy is not certain what form the memorial will take.
“I don’t know,” he said. “There’ll be something in the program, or something in his name.”
“Topdog/Underdog” will run daily, Tuesday, Nov. 27, through Sunday, Dec. 2, at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center. Showtimes are 8 p.m. weekdays, and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets cost $15 for general admission, and $10 for seniors, persons 21 and under, and military personnel.
The play depicts the lives of two African-American playing-card hustlers, whose father, on a whim, named the two men Lincoln (Jonathan Cushionberry) and Booth (Mike Boykin). Lincoln gives up the street life for a carny job where he, dressed as Abe Lincoln, is “assassinated” repeatedly each day by customers for their amusement.
Booth aspires to the street life his brother abandoned, which leads to bad consequences for both men.
The play is heavy with larger meanings. For instance, Lincoln and Booth’s father leaves the boys only $500 when he dies. The small sum is symbolic of the legacy left to African-Americans, according to one reviewer.
The goal of Sam & Jim is to present plays to Tri-parish theatergoers that have “edgier” qualities.
But Savoy said the company chose to stage “Topdog/Underdog” simply because he and Taub liked the play.
“It appeals to a diverse audience, more than to an African-American audience,” he said. “It’s an exciting, engaging drama-a play that amazed all of us. It’s a great show. That’s my first criterion.”
“The show’s about low-class con men,” he said. “It’s universal to everyone. The play never says in what city it takes place.”
Much of “Topdog/Underdog” examines the extremes of sibling rivalry. Some reviewers likened the play to Sam Shepard’s “True West,” another tale of cutthroat fraternal interrelations.
In fact, Sam & Jim was going to stage “True West” before deciding to produce “Topdog/Underdog.”
“But I liked ‘Topdog/Underdog’ better,” Savoy said.
Call (985) 855-1330 for ticket info.
