by Mark G. Auerbach
Special to Berkshire on Stage
August Wilson was a prolific playwright who wrote about the 20th century African American experience. His works, several of which, including Two Trains Running premiered at the Yale Repertory Theatre, were important plays on Broadway and translated into powerful films. He’s best known for his 10-play “The Pittsburgh Cycle”, which included Two Trains Running, Fences and The Piano Lesson. He’s won two Pulitzer Prizes, a Tony, and numerous other theatre awards. His plays regularly appear on area stages. The Majestic in West Springfield will present Fences in a few weeks, and Shakespeare & Company will present The Piano Lesson in July.
Two Trains Running, set in Pittsburgh’s Hill District in 1968, takes place in Memphis Lee’s restaurant, aptly designed by Lawrence E. Motin III, which is about to be taken by the city. The cafe is a hangout for a group of regulars, who have developed a sense of community. Memphis is looking for a fair price for the place, and his employees and regulars, impacted by their uncertain future, provide the impetus for Wilson’s play.
Postell Pringle in August Wilson’s “Two Trains Running,” directed by Gilbert McCauley, at Hartford Stage. All photos by T. Charles Erickson. All photos submitted by Hartford Stage. 
Godfrey L. Simmons Jr. in August Wilson’s “Two Trains Running,” directed by Gilbert McCauley, at Hartford Stage. All photos by T. Charles Erickson. All photos submitted by Hartford Stage. 
Godfrey L. Simmons, Jr. and David Jennings in August Wilson’s “Two Trains Running,” directed by Gilbert McCauley, at Hartford Stage. All photos by T. Charles Erickson. All photos submitted by Hartford Stage. 
Rafael Jordan, Taji Senior, and Jeorge Bennett Watson in August Wilson’s “Two Trains Running,” directed by Gilbert McCauley, at Hartford Stage. All photos by T. Charles Erickson. All photos submitted by Hartford Stage. 
Godfrey L. Simmons Jr. and Postell Pringle in August Wilson’s “Two Trains Running,” directed by Gilbert McCauley, at Hartford Stage. All photos by T. Charles Erickson. All photos submitted by Hartford Stage. 
Gilbert McCauley, a theatre professor at UMass/Amherst, who has national theatre credits, (and who has staged productions at West Springfield’s Majestic and the late New Century Theatre in Northampton) directs Two Trains Running. He brings out the humor in Wilson’s characters in balance with the serious commentary that his characters express. His design team, all new to Hartford Stage, are superlative. Devario D. Simmons’ costumes are perfectly period, and Xavier Pierce’s lighting is excellent. Gregory Robinson’s music and sound design provide the right mood for the production.
All of the performances are good, and Wilson and McCauley have given each one a place to shine. Godfrey L. Simmons Jr, Artistic Director of Hartford’s Hartbeat Ensemble, and a veteran of several Hartford Stage productions, is tour de force as Memphis. It’s a breathtaking performance on every level. And, I found Jennings’ performance as Hambone, a physically and emotionally challenged man, riveting to watch. Every tremor in his feet and arms captured my attention, and sometimes distracted me from the other characters.
Each time I see an August Wilson play, I marvel at his use of language and character to make an impact. Two Trains Running is one of the best of the batch. It’s only onstage through February 16. For details: www.hartfordstage.org.
Hartford Stage presents Two Trains Running. by August Wilson. Directed by Gilbert McCauley. Scenic design by Lawrence E. Motin III. Costume design by Devario D. Simmons. Lighting design by Xavier Pierce. Sound design and music composition by Gregory Robinson. by Cast: Jerome Preston Bates, David Jennings, Rafael Jordan, Postell Pringle, Taji Senior, Godfrey L. Simmons Jr, Jeorge Bennett Watson. Through February 16, at Hartford Stage, 50 Church Street, Hartford. For details: www.hartfordstage.org.
Mark G. Auerbach studied theatre at American University and The Yale School of Drama. He has worked for arts organizations nationwide, and reported on the arts for print and broadcast. Mark produces and hosts ArtsBeat, Survivor Stories, and On The Mark for WCPC15 and 89.5fm/WSKB. He’s a regular contributor to Berkshire Onstage and a member of the Berkshire Theatre Critics Association.