~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Stealin' Home

by Fred Newman
review by Laura Chekow on www.theater-express.com
Home / Now Playing & Coming Soon / Back to Media List / To email us

Stealin' Home
The Exit Theatre, San Francsico, November 5 - 20
(415) 436-0985

A Review by Laura Chekow

Two years ago, America celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Jackie Robinson joining the Brooklyn
Dodgers. Today San Francisco's, BACIC, [Bay Area Committee for Independent Culture]
celebrates its second season with its first full production, Stealin' Home. This hypothetical tale
centers around shortstop, Pee Wee Reese and his fond memories of his teammate. Both Writer Fred
Newman and Director Edris Cooper-Anifowoshe managed to stay away from cliches in what is such
a tempting set up - baseball as metaphor for life in America. Since I don't have to adhere to their
rules, I will say this: I hope this play has a full house every night. This is one team I'm rootin' for.

I am not interested in sports. If a production about baseball can keep me entertained then they have
done an exceptional job. Stealin' Home not only made me laugh, made me think, and made me
cheer, but it also made me interested in Jackie Robinson in a way I had never thought of before.
Actor Algin Ford played Robinson with the natural ease of a man comfortable in his own skin. Not a
small task when your skin is the center of attention, and your character is bigger than life.

Yes, for those of you who were fans, or who are baseball savvy, it is indeed about the game. The
play's three characters Jackie Robinson, teammate Pee Wee Reese and Sojourner, the black
woman's version of Jimminy Cricket, the moral conscience to Reese's dreamy Pinnochio, tossed
around anecdotes and did plenty of reminiscing. But like any good story this isn't just about baseball,
and it would be an injustice to the hard work involved in its production to focus solely on the sport.
Woven into this 75 minute, one act play is enough to interest a wide range of audience members.

For starters, Stealin' Home takes on our collective memories of a hero. It is about a man's attempt
to live the American dream, the differences between black and white American, and how far too
often, "green" can get in the way of the two. The notion that some things are without race is not
unique to this play, and yet it is as crucial today as when Jackie first put on his Dodger's uniform.

In a few instances the characters make simple, heartfelt statements that are a lot more effective due
to their pointed honesty than the watered down versions we normally hear. Forgive my paraphrasing,
as Sojourner's character says "As long as it is white and black the white boys will win. They will find
a way to. They always do." And later, "We ain't' going to win (i.e.: get rich, go to college, experience
the American dream). We going to prison". We aren't just talking baseball games here, folks. Today,
still, we have such a long way to go, as protesters throughout the country march in the street to show
support for Mumia Abu Jamal, a black journalist, social and political commentator who is thought by
many to be innocent and yet faces the death penalty. Stealin' Home is a conversation that needs to
continue. It is one we all need to get involved in.

In addition to the impact Jackie Robinson had on writer Fred Newman, it is obvious women have
made an impression on him as well. Newman has a strong appreciation of women, and their ability to
influence even his personal hero reflects that. How refreshing to see a play, one with a sports theme
no less, that has such a high level of respect and regard for the female gender. Parallel to the
characters relationships, it is achingly clear that Director Edris Cooper-Anifowoshe and Artistic
Director Joyce Dattner have had a big impact on how this production projects its heartfelt integrity,
transcending both sport and legend.

Actress Jamesetta Bunn, who plays the women in this version of Jackie's life, seemed to be having a
lot of fun. Alternating between source of strength, support, and plain luck to her man she also
provides the play with a context of deeper understanding. She is studying this man as intently as we
are. The importance of women in Jackie's life, both in and out of this play, is just one more theme
that transcends color. The notion of a strong woman being behind a man's success is not specific to
black or white men, but universally acknowledged.

Simplicity is the key of most local theater productions. To be realistic, most of these productions
cannot afford fancy sets or stage tricks. Which makes the writing, acting and direction that much
more important. There is nothing else to distract the audience. Stealin' Home made good use of
what was essentially one set (with two small exceptions.) A few posters, hair style and music
changes and voila! We are transformed. The crew, who I was happy to see take a bow after the
performance, consisted of three hardworking stage hands who surely had many roles behind the
scenes. That is another treasure of local theater - everyone is so invested. When it works well, as
Stealin' Home does, this energy of commitment is shared by the audience.

They got me - I actually laughed during a scene about a baseball play. Which is not to say I fully
understood it, but the comedy rose above the terminology as actor Adam Chipkin excitedly
reenacted Reese's strategies. This play worked hard to include everyone, and succeeded. From the
opening scene, where our Sojourner character reacts in every way but interested in Reese's
romanticized details of his teammate and hero's most memorable plays, I knew if I could not relate to
the game and the history, I could relate at very least to her interest in the man as opposed to the
topic. Newman wrote a love story about his hero, about men and women and about America. With
the help of two women and a good cast the story hits home.

A bit about the Exit Theater. It has the lack of intimidation for those who tend to be theater shy, and
the warmth of a staff that is clearly enthusiastic to be included in this undertaking. Like Stealin'
Home, the theater's simplicity is deceptive. At the charming side bar, everything from hot sake
(which more than a few people enjoyed) to French onion soup, or brie, fruit and bread platters were
available. While I didn't see anyone opting for these more daring selections, it is nice to know the
effort is there, along with a wide variety of coffee, tea and beers to appease all.

Sexy is the word used most often by Sojourner and Reese to describe baseball. Although not the
first thing I'd personally think of to discuss any sport, it was a pleasure to gain new insight, not only
into Jackie Robinson, but into the attraction to the game. Three actors took on a legend and showed
his human qualities while giving the audience new reasons to fall in love with his memory. In the
process, they gave us hope in a conversation that continues long after the curtain goes down.

© 1999 Laura Chekow

Home / Now Playing & Coming Soon / Back to Media List / To email us