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Regional Reviews: Florida - West Coast Fly Also see Bill's reviews of The Matchmaker and Fearless
The story of many thousands of black men trained as pilots and support personnel in racially segregated Alabama is told using four individuals to represent them all. Three white actors, two in multiple roles and a character called Tap Griot who is used to convey emotions that are beyond mere acting, complete the cast. All of the actors in the FST production are new to the piece except Omar Edwards as Tap Griot, who seems completely irreplaceable. His dancing is outstanding but he is completely in service to the dramatic arc; he has been part of a number of previous productions. Jordan Bellow (Chet), Robert Karma Robinson (W.W), Shane Taylor (J. Allen) and Terrell Wheller (Oscar) are the four soldiers preparing to begin flight training. Each is from a different place and are unique individuals. Because of their great differences as people their bonding is haphazard. Early on, a testosterone-fueled fight breaks out between W.W. and Oscar over a leadership role. All four actors are excellent. Greg Brostrom portrays flight instructor O'Hurley, and Sean Patrick Hopkins and Michael Pauley each play several characters. Director Kahn weaves together all the varied elements to create an afternoon or evening that is more than just a play—it is vividly theatrical. Bravo to FST for bringing Fly to Sarasota. Florida Studio Theatre presents Fly through April 8, 2015, at the Gompertz Theater 1241 N. Palm Avenue, Sarasota. For tickets and performance information, please call the box office at (941) 366-9000 or visit www.floridastudiotheatre.org. Cast: Director: Ricardo Kahn
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