Funnyhouse in Harlem

Caught a Sunday matinee of Billie Allen's revival of Adrienne Kennedy's 1964 play Funnyhouse of a Negro at the Classical Theatre of Harlem, a new-ish company (founded in 1999) that has been putting on some exciting productions of the classics, both Greek and African American.

Funnyhouse is an obvious choice for a revival, and this production breathes life into a play that does contain some elements -- such as a character named Patrice Lumumba -- that could come off as dated in the wrong hands.

Ms. Allen's, who created the role of Sarah, are the right hands, for the most parts. The rhythmic, hallucinatory language of the play is deservedly foregrounded. Although Suzette Gunn is not quite an experienced enough performer to succeed in the lead role of Sarah, supporters Monica Stith as the Duchess of Habsburg and Willie Teacher as Lumumba are excellent. My companion noted that the pacing could have been improved, and the supporting players who haunt Sarah's imagination could have stood out from each other more (Ms. Stith and Mr. Teacher excepted). But still a fine production worth seeking out.