DOT

VINTAGE THEATRE PRODUCTIONS: Nov 11 – Dec 18

L-R: Latifah Johnson and Tim Inthavong 

                             (Photo credit: RDG Photography)

 

In Colman Domingo’s play, “Dot”, it’s Christmas in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and an African American family has come home for the holidays. This year however, besides gathering for celebration, the family is struggling to come to grips with a matriarch’s dementia.

     Dotty is that matriarch. 

     As played by Latifah Johnson, Dotty is by turns, elated, angry, confused, and afraid. Johnson’s performance is nuanced, multi-faceted and as heart-warming as it is heart-breaking. It’s a performance that makes us wish to see this actor again soon upon the Denver stage.

     The layered direction is superb! 

     In real life, people are always talking over each other and interrupting one another in conversation. This is certainly true when we’re arguing!  Some directors prompt their actors to speak their lines in what one might describe as a polite manner, one after the other. Director Mykai Eastman knows that life is “messy,” and delivers his audience overlapping dialogue that is much more ‘natural.’ 

     Director Eastman has also assembled a fine cast!

     Shashauna Staton gives a strong, affectionately drawn portrayal of Dot’s daughter, Shelly. Full of compassion and great good humor, Shelly’s constant dealing with the mental and emotional swings of her mother has left her with raw nerves soothed primarily by early morning drinking.

     Jedonn Bell’s portrayal of Dot’s anxiety-ridden son, Donnie, is white-hot and intentionally over-the-top. His explosive outbursts lead to a meltdown on Christmas Eve.

     Phil Luna has done what a truly great actor does. He has disappeared completely into the role. Having seen Luna in lots of shows over the years, it took this reviewer a couple of scenes to recognize him in the role of Adam, Donnie’s mild-mannered husband. Bravo!

     Kenya Fashaw portrays Dot’s daughter Averie, with true panache! This actor really knows how to make an entrance! Averie, who has had some financial struggles that have led her to return to live in her mother’s basement, is delivered with warmth, wit and great heart.

     Sarah Duttlinger plays Jackie, a friend of the family.

     Tim Inthavong is Fidel, Dot’s caretaker.

     In keeping with the core concept of the play, the self-effacing scenic design is adorned with family photos with blurry faces and a clock without hands.  

     Rick Reid’s Sound design delivers the goods with a brutal accuracy.

     Colman Domingo’s script is compassionate in that it makes us aware of the signs and the symptoms of dementia. One wishes that it would also have given tips regarding the dos and don’ts of interacting with a person suffering from memory loss.

    I hope you can get a ticket. I understand that it’s nearly completely sold out.

 

Vintage Theatre presents 

“DOT”  

A Regional Premiere 

Nov. 11 – Dec. 18 

Fri/Sat at 7:30 p.m.; Sun. at 2:30 p.m.; Mon. Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m. 

$20 - $34 

303-856-7830 or online at www.vintagetheatre.org

Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora 80010 

 * Adult situations and explicit language. Recommended for ages 16+. 

Run time is 2 hours 15 minutes with one 15 minute intermission.