Connected Struggles: Daniel Beaty's 'Resurrection'

A HEALTH-FOOD STORE in the projects is "like a fried-chicken joint in a vegan compound," the owner of said shop opines in Daniel Beaty's "Resurrection." Indeed, Mr. Rogers (Michael Genet) considers closing his anomalous store, from which his brilliant 10-year-old son, Eric (Thuliso Dingwall), concocts a mystery tea for the soul.

The lives and struggles of six African-American men from six decades converge in Arena Stage's latest. The play, which is making its official world premiere, has D.C. roots, having originally been first read last summer at Busboys and Poets.

In addition to the Rogers family, there's megachurch leader Bishop (Jeffery V. Thompson), who leads his flock but struggles with a forbidden love: chocolaty Ho Hos. Son Isaac (Alvin Keith), a music executive, bears his own secret passion.

Isaac is a mentor to 'Twon (Turron Kofi Alleyne), a dyslexic-turned-success story who feels the pressure of being the first in his family to attend college. Finally, Dre (Che Ayende), an ex-con who works in Mr. Rogers' store, receives devastating news that threatens his newfound stability.

Under Oz Scott's direction, the seasoned cast bursts with life, imbuing the characters with vitality and wit. Beaty's script veers from deftly comical to profound and poetic, transitioning cleverly from one man's story to the next.

» Arena Stage, 1800 S. Bell St., Arlington; through Oct. 5; $47-$66; 202-488-3300. (Crystal City)

Written by Express contributor Erin Trompeter
Photo by Scott Suchman