Dazzling Obfuscation — Ophelia's Jump's 'Clybourne Park'

Like the King's Men during the Plague, nomadic upstart troupe Ophelia's Jump is currently touring the upper-west side of his majesty's Inland Empire. Their latest presentation is a noteworthy rendition of Bruce Norris's Clybourne Park, performing at the beautifully renovated Fruechte Performing Arts Center at Claremont High School.

Thematically, Clybourne does little more than highlight Americans' emotional hypersensitivity and obsession with skin tone. No resolutions are offered. No revelations made, save one: while everyone is capable of racism, sexism, and bigotry, the conservative white men (in the '50s and present) are the most inherently, unabashedly hateful of all. Great. So where do we go from here? Not even Norris knows. The action ends with everyone shouting and slamming doors on their way offstage, nary a solution in sight.

Not to say that Clybourne isn't an expertly crafted piece of entertainment. Norris has a sharp ear for truthful, overlapping dialogue, which is readily apparent in director Beatrice Casagran's deft staging. Overall, the cast does well with the difficult material. The taut, engaging story unfolds quickly as the ensemble holds a realistic pace. Their cohesion and the credibility of their portrayals are admirable.

Inland theater giant Mel Chadwick impresses in the role of Russ with a show-stealing, slow-burning rage and explosive grief. Ron Hastings shines as the nerdy Karl (and Steve); he finds the funny, even when his characters are at their most unlikeable. Malik Stalbert and Tiffany-Denise Turner have wonderful flow as the black couple, in both eras.

Great scenic design by Noah Elhai, a shaky wall and not-quite-gangsta tagging notwithstanding.

Only three shows into their first season, Ophelia's Jump is doing some of the best theater in the Inland Empire, straight or otherwise. And like your favorite food truck, it's worth tracking them down.

Clybourne Park continues at the Fruechte Performing Arts Center (1601 N Indian Hill Blvd. Claremont, CA 91711) until August 18. Get your tickets here, or by calling (909) 621-1058.

LA theater reviews by LA Theater Critic.