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Regional Reviews: Phoenix Topdog/Underdog Also see Gil's reviews of Lea Salonga: Stage, Screen & Everything in Between and Sister Act
The play centers on two Black brothers, Lincoln and Booth, as they navigate their strained relationship in a cramped apartment. Lincoln, once a master at three-card monte, now works a demeaning job as an Abraham Lincoln impersonator who gets shot by paying customers at an arcade. The younger and more volatile Booth, who is unemployed, so he shoplifts to survive, dreams of mastering the same hustle that made his brother legendary, believing it's the key to changing his fate. As the brothers reminiscence about their past, old wounds and jealousy bubble up to the surface. At its core, Parks' Pulitzer Prize winning play centers on two brothers whose lives have been shaped by abandonment, poverty, and a constant struggle to rise above their circumstances, making the work as relevant today as when it premiered in 2001. It is a good character study that focuses on themes of sibling confrontations, masculinity, and the legacy of racism, yet there is also an underlying current of hope in how both brothers dream of a more successful life, even if that success comes from illegal activities. Parks' writing also does a good job in foreshadowing future events and peppering the revelations of the brothers' pasts throughout and letting them simmer while the play builds toward a tragic and inevitable conclusion. However, some audiences may struggle with Topdog/Underdog because it is an emotionally heavy drama that offers little relief from its tension. The characters are deeply flawed, and their interactions can feel confrontational and unsettling rather than comforting or hopeful. Its raw realism may prove challenging for viewers who prefer lighter or more optimistic theatre, yet for those who value bold, thought-provoking theatre, Topdog/Underdog blends humor, pain, and truth in equal measure along with rich, complex characters whose struggles feel deeply human. The actors embody their characters with nuance and a fierce commitment to creating three-dimensional and well thought out portrayals. As Lincoln, Stephan Martin brings a quiet weariness to the role, conveying the exhaustion of a man who is worn down by life and haunted by his past success as a card hustler. Kolby Kelly as Booth, by contrast, is a storm of bravado, insecurity, and longing. Kelly infuses him with both swagger and vulnerability, making it clear that his confidence is often a cover for his deep-seated fear that he'll never have success or respect. The chemistry between Martin and Kelly is electric, making the shared history between Lincoln and Booth feel incredibly authentic. The direction by Richard Powers-Hardt and Felicia Penza is thoughtful, bringing authenticity to the brothers' relationship and allowing the humor and heartbreak to coexist. While a few moments feel slow in pacing, the overall impact remains strong, and the production never loses emotional clarity. The creative elements support the story well. Powers-Hardt's set, with its worn furniture, wallpaper that's seen better days, and sparse belongings, reflects a life in constant struggle, while the costumes ground the characters in their economic reality. However, while Autumn Ford's lighting design does a good job to convey the late-night settings in the play, it occasionally works against the production. Some of the lighting shifts feel abrupt or overly dramatic, pulling focus from moments that should unfold more naturally. Even with this small quibble, Fifth Wall Playhouse is presenting a solid staging that resonates. With compelling performances and a story that cuts to the bone, it serves as a powerful reminder of how past wounds and present choices can shape destiny and how even the tightest of family ties can unravel. Fifth Wall Playhouse's Topdog/Underdog runs through November 23, 2025, at Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 8355 West Peoria Avenue, Peoria AZ. For tickets and information, please visit 5thwallplayhouse.com Directors: Richard Powers-Hardt and Felicia Penza Cast: |
