A Lesson Before Dying...

by Romulus Linney

Stageworks Theatre

Tampa, FL

April 7th, 2011

If your last day on Earth was read to you by a sheriff while on death row, how would you carry yourself until it finally comes?

The latest effort of Stageworks Theatre takes us on a journey of the human spirit among even the most grim of circumstances. A Lesson Before Dying explores the relationship between an arguably guilty death row inmate and his former schoolteacher during his final weeks.

Taking place in rural 1940's Louisiana, Grant and Jefferson discuss how to die like a man amidst settling for a less than humane title bestowed. The story also intertwines the relationship of Grant and his girlfriend, the town reverend, Jefferson's godmother and the Sheriff's at the courthouse. They each learn during the play that the lessons aren't exclusively for Jefferson, but transcend to universal ideals of tolerance, acceptance and integrity.

Each member of the cast brought a very believable nuance to their respective role. Jefferson's godmother was actually an older woman with impaired mobility which can prove trite when performed improperly or overacted. The town reverend came off as your stereotypical larger than life bible thumper just as Jefferson himself transformed from disenchanted inmate to upstanding citizen of the world. Bravo all. Second to the script of a staged play, casting is crucial and Stageworks knocked one out of the park to continue their impressive season.

c/o facebook.com/stageworkstheatre

With a title like A Lesson Before Dying, you should have some sort of idea of what you're walking into. Person A is waiting to die and person B attempts to instill virtues or contempt for the soon to be departed. As we, the audience, learn over the course of the play is the lessons taught aren't only the Jefferson, but everyone involved. They each learn a little more about themselves, what they're capable of, how they carry themselves and the legacy they hope to leave behind. I'm sure anyone who sees this show will identify with one or all of the lessons and take the obligatory glance in the mirror.

All in all, I thoroghly enjoyed Stageworks' production a A Lesson Before Dying. Presented in the ever intimate Shimberg Playhouse, Stageworks presents this story worth telling with the precise execution we've come to expect from them. Be sure to get your tickets sooner rather than later, but also know there isn't a bad seat in the house.

A Lesson Before Dying plays through April 24th and is sure to enlighten all who witness the power and beauty of this poignant tale. Don't forget to follow us on twitter and/or facebook for the latest on the performing arts community in Tampa.

Music of the Post - bon iver