Fences - Lyons

When deciding who to cast, I immediately thought of Chris Rock, and figured that the parallels between struggling Comedians and musicians are something he can relate to. Furthermore, the play gives the impression that Loyns is a skinny hip young man in his thirties that just will not give up on his dream of becoming a musician. I assume he is skinny because he is always on the run and never eats when Rose offers him something to eat. I believe Chris Rock has the energy and enthusiasm to portray Lyons in such a way that the characters passion for the music not be affected underscored. The play does not say much about Lyons, but Chris Rock is always ready to spice things up with some good old fashion button pushing. For example, Lyons goes on saying things such as “you can not change me, pop. I’m thirty-four years old. If you wanted to change me you should have been there when I was growing up. I come by to see you…ask for ten dollars and you want to talk about how I was raised. You do not know how I was Raised” ( Act 1, Scene 1, p. 1116). That usually gets on Troy’s nerve, and comedians typically have a talent for getting that same affect. Furthermore, I belive that Chric Rocks laid back mentality fit Lyons persona.