Amid the glitter, some serious theater

By Jerry Fink

Monday, April 7, 2008 | 2 a.m.

Much of Las Vegas’ entertainment scene consists of lightweight amusement meant to distract tourists and make them forget about society’s ills and shortcomings. But one small Las Vegas theater company has been tackling projects noted for their depth and social consciousness for the past 15 years.

The Ira Aldridge Theater Company has produced such gems as James Baldwin’s “The Amen Corner,” Shakespeare’s “Othello” and August Wilson’s “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.”

This week the little group takes on another giant — Wilson’s “Fences.”

The play won the Pulitzer Prize and a Tony Award. Set in the 1950s, it focuses on the lives of four generations of black Americans in an industrial city.

“I thought this production would be appropriate. It deals with germane issues of today, with families being in such disarray,” says director Walter Mason, who founded the theater company named for one of the most prominent black actors of the 19th century.

“I have many fine actors and actresses to select from,” says Mason, 82. “The West Las Vegas Art Center is a great proving ground for children as well as for growth of actors and actresses who are seasoned.”

Anthony Brady stars as former baseball star, garbage collector and family patriarch Troy Maxson. Earl Grant Harrison, Rochelle Hooks, Rick Davenport, Hasani Palacio, Isaiah Lucas and Kierra Baltimore portray Troy’s friends and relatives.

“Fences” seems a natural selection for Mason for another reason. He worked with director Lloyd Richards and describes him as his mentor. Richards championed Wilson’s work. He brought six of his plays — “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” “Fences,” “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone,” “The Piano Lesson,” “Two Trains Raining” and “Seven Guitars” — to Broadway from 1984 to 1996. He also directed the original Broadway production of “A Raisin in the Sun.”

Mason, who is originally from Detroit, has a long resume. His acting credits include Shakespeare, Broadway, national touring companies and the 1964 film “Black Like Me.” He directed “The Amen Corner” in London’s West End and directed James Earl Jones in a European tour of “The Emperor Jones.”

Mason was production manager for Sammy Davis Jr. for 11 years. He worked at the Las Vegas Hilton from 1986 to 1999 — first as entertainment coordinator and then as entertainment director.

“After I retired from the Hilton, I looked about to see where I could utilize my talents to the greatest degree,” Mason said. “I went to the westside art center and thought I could make a contribution there working with young people. It was such an igniting experience, I decided to stay there and give what I could.”