The Royale
At the Young Centre for the Performing Arts, Toronto, Ont.
Written by Marco Ramirez
Directed by Guillermo Verdecchia
Set and costumes by Ken MacKenzie
Lighting by Michelle Ramsey
Composer and sound designed by Thomas Ryder Payne
Fight director, Simon Don
Cast: Christef Desire
Dion Johnstone
Diego Matamoros
Alexander Thomas
Sabryn Rock
Playwright Marco Ramirez has written a gripping play of ambition, racism and tenacity. The story of Jay Jackson, a black boxer, wanting to fight the retired heavyweight champion of the world, who is white, echoes the story of Jack Johnson who fought Jim Jeffries in 1910. The hopes and dreams of blacks rest on Jay winning. But the cost to him and his family is enormous.
Dion Johnstone plays Jay with a sheen of elegance, drive, laser focus and a determination that is breathtaking. The cast is superb.
Guillermo Verdecchia has directed a production that is muscular, nuanced, detailed and simply thrilling.
Full review shortly.
Soulpepper presents:
Opened: Oct. 18, 2018.
Closes: Nov. 11, 2018.
Running Time: 90 gripping minutes.
www.soulpepper.ca