Denzel Is Rebuilding FENCES!

Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, August Wilson, wrote that people build fences for two reasons:  "Some people build fences to keep people out…and other people build fences to keep people in."  Hollywood triple A-lister, Denzel Washington, is heading back to Broadway in my all-time, most favorite play and Mr. Wilson's most famous:  FENCES!  The phenomenal play hit the Great White Way back in 1987, starring James Earl Jones & Mary Alice.  By the time I got around to seeing it, James had been replaced by Billy Dee Williams and Mary, by the incomparable, Lynne Thigpen!!  I had never heard of, Lynne, before then, but after her stirring performance, I followed her career closely!  In 2006, I saw Laurence Fishburne & Angela Bassett perform the play at The Pasadena Playhouse.  Laurence, I liked.  Angela, umm...looked nice. 

I'll never forget the powerful, third scene in Act II after, Troy (the male lead), arrived home with his brand new baby after his mistress died during delivery.  He begs, Rose (his wife), to take the baby in because it has no mother.  During his pleas, my Broadway audience made uncomfortable sounds.  It was apparent they wanted, Rose, to toss him AND his baby out!  Pain and indecision ravaged her face.

ROSE:  "Okay, Troy...I'll take care of your baby for you...cause...like you say...she's innocent....and you can't visit the sins of the father upon the child.  A motherless child has got a hard time. 
(She takes the baby from him.) 
From right now...this child got a mother.  But you a womanless man." 
(Rose turns and exits into the house with the baby.  Lights go down to black.) 

The audience ROARED!!  I distinctly remember my heart filled up with so much compassion for her that I wanted to jump out of my seat and run up to the stage to hug, Rose Lynne!  That moment was truly galvanizing!  Astounding theater always is!

The Originals: Mary Alice & James Earl Jones

The Incomparable Lynne Thigpen & Billy Dee Williams

Angela Bassett & Laurence Fishburne