Theater Review - Jailhouse rocks



If George Bernard Shaw were incarcerated in the penitentiary of HBO’s “Oz,” he’d write a play like Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train. Playing at Theatre in the Square’s Alley Stage, this prison drama turns New York’s criminal justice system into an arena for a scorching debate about the difference between crime and sin. And director Jessica Phelps West unflinchingly conveys playwright Stephen Adly Guirgis’ dark comedy and thoughtful ideas.

The action surrounds two prisoners in protective custody at Riker’s Island. Death row inmate Lucius (Darius Truly), a serial killer and former junkie, beams with religious fervor following a jailhouse conversion. Bicycle messenger Angel (David Kronawitter) is charged with first-degree murder for injuring a man who later dies in surgery.

Guirgis puts cerebral notions into earthy language, as Lucius extols the value of getting right with the Lord and Angel focuses on freeing his body, not his soul. As Lucius, Truly commands the stage like someone glowing with a divine spark. Throughout the play, the young actor rides Guirgis’ words like a whirlwind.

Kronawitter is less convincing as a tough-talking Puerto Rican. The actor sounds more like a poser than a man with true street cred. Granted, Guirgis draws Angel as a “civilian,” not a career criminal, but Kronawitter lacks the authenticity of the other actors.

Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train looks past the cliches of most law-and-order tales. Joan Croker’s public defender takes Angel’s case for idealistic reasons, but she’s no lonely crusader. The gamesmanship of criminal law thrills the attorney and ultimately feeds her hubris.

Anthony P. Rodriguez stalks the stage as a sadistic guard who delights in tormenting Lucius. With ruthless logic, he taunts Lucius about his options after death: “Only two things are gonna happen — nothing, or something bad.” Caustic lines like that one run through Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train, thrillingly asserting the idea that courtroom justice is nothing compared to divine judgment.

-- Curt Holman
Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train plays through April 18 at Theatre in the Square’s Alley Stage, 11 Whitlock Ave., Marietta. Tues.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 and 7 p.m. $17-$31. 770-422-8369. www.theatreinthesquare.com.