Hype Man: a break beat play

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“Hip hop gave me my name” says Peep One, a captivating young mixed race woman who is a beat maker; the one who crafts the tune for a hip hop song. This is one of numerous pertinent details imparted in playwright Idris Goodwin’s exhilarating drama Hype Man: a break beat play. Mr. Goodwin’s vision is theatrical, his dialogue is sharp, and he crafts a clenching scenario.  The title refers to the backup rapper who supports the star rapper by chiming in with his own declarations and stirring up the audience.

While totally contemporary and focused on the rap artform, Mr. Goodwin’s accomplished work is rooted in old-time show business lore. Anyone who is familiar with the sagas of legendary bands such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, or The Police will recognize the complex tensions dramatized here between members of a band, particularly those of the front man, the songwriter and its collaborators.

Pinnacle is an established white rapper and songwriter in his early 30’s from a dysfunctional background who is on the verge of major success. Verb is his African-American best friend since they were in high school and is his hype man. They’ve been performing together for eight years and Peep One has been with them for a year and a half. It’s 2015 and they’re about to leave their unnamed city for New York to appear on The Tonight Show which will likely lead to prominence. Shortly before, a young black man has been shot and killed by the police. Verb is adamant they use their national exposure to support Black Lives Matter while Pinnacle believes it’s wise to stay out of it. The play vigorously charts the course of these repercussions in 75 charged minutes.

The theater’s four-sided contained playing area is surrounded by two rows of seats on each and the audience is close up to scenic designer Anton Volovsek’s neat set that represents a recording rehearsal room with a console, microphones and a plush chair. It also swiftly serves as other locations when the chair is pushed out.

Co-directors Kristan Seemel and Niegel Smith’s energized staging featuring members of The Bats, The Flea’s resident company, has the actors in motion all over the space, even at one point cleverly on view through windows suggesting another place outside. There’s a gorgeously presented number with them performing a terrific rap composition. Also, the intensity of their performances are magnified by close proximity.

Lean, sinewy, tattooed and fierce, the fiery Matt Stango is ideal as Pinnacle. Mr. Stango’s soft spoken voice erupts in fury as he conveys the anguish of a survivor who has triumphed over adversity through talent and sheer force of will with his low-key charisma. Visually and vocally Stango is utterly convincing as this popstar.

With his mellow presence and beaming smile, Shakur Tolliver beautifully plays Verb. Mr. Tolliver forcefully enacts the character’s redemptive journey from seeking creative fulfillment to idealistic militancy. Tolliver and Stango’s interactions have the dimension of wrestlers in the ring, adding tremendous sparks to their combative feuding.

When the audience arrives, the magnetic Tay Bass is at the console joyously cooking up vibrant beats during a 10-minute pre-show where she also does some euphoric dance moves. Ms. Bass later appears as Peep One and is equally as riveting as she poignantly portrays this spirited adoptee who yearns for artistic recognition. Bass, Tolliver and Stango are majestic together.

Composer Wendell Hanes’ kinetic music is boldly rendered by sound engineer Keenan Hurley. Xavier Pierce’s lighting design veers from straightforward brightness to a multicolored panorama for the performance sequences. From Pinnacle’s gleaming white jeans outfit and splendorous gold sweatpants matched with a lustrous silk jacket to Peep One’ pink and wild ensembles and Verb’s tweaked athletic wear, Sarah Lawrence’s costume design is wondrous.

Written with passionate artistry, dynamically presented and containing searing performances, Hype Man: a break beat play is an engrossing take on a familiar subject.

Hype Man: a break beat play (extended through December 18, 2018)

The Flea Theater featuring The Bats

Pete Theater, 20 Thomas Street, in Manhattan

For tickets, call 212-352-3101 or visit http://www.theflea.org

Running time: 75 minutes with no intermission