Llke her other scripts we’ve seen in the area over the past few years, Sweat, and Intimate Apparel, Lynn Nottage’s Fabulation focuses on Black working class people. Undine invites us along on a multi-layered journey of her own comeuppance and eventual redemption. She’s knocked from societal, professional and financial heights by a betraying husband, and lands, pregnant and penniless, with the family she abandoned in Brooklyn’s Walt Whitman projects. Satirical and sometimes humorous observations abound.
Vanessa Mazhangara shines as the title character, evolving from overbearing boss-lady to a more compassionate, weathered but hopeful version of herself. She has a huge line load, since she both portrays herself and explains herself to the audience. I hope this New York actress plans to stay in the Lansing theatre scene.
And she is well assisted by what seems like a “cast of thousands” which is just ten additional actors who effectively portray 32 characters, differentiated, not only by acting but also by “Costume Fabulator” Ashley Hampton’s costumes. From the suave but betraying Hervé (Lorenzo Lopez) to the intense Rapper/Flow (Norrlyn-Michael William Allen) to the lovable but addicted Grandma (Janell Hall) to the charming Guy (Wulf Hogan) to the intimidated Stephie (Jllian Tosolt) to the beleaguered parents (Timetra Horton and Julian Van Dyke) — with Jordan Taylor, Ny’kieria Blocker and Teriah Nicole covering twelve more roles among the three of them.
The technical aspects enhanced the production: The simple, practical set designed by Tom Ferris, whisked from scene to scene, using mainly furniture, all set up under a wonderful set of slides depicting real-life locations that anchored each scene. Clint Hoagland’s sound, Steve Vangel’s lighting, and Bernie Lucas’s props effectively completed the scenes.
Fabulation runs through October 30 - 7 pm Thursdays, 8 pm Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 pm Sundays, masks required. It contains mature themes, depictions of drug use and strong language. Tickets at http://riverwalktheatre.com. or call 517-482-5700.