Daniel Beaty’s “Through the Night, A Soul Aria” playing through April 4 at the Audrey Skirball Kenis Theatre at the Geffen Playhouse, traces the incredible journey of  Black men’s psyches as they struggle to overcome life’s hardships and expectations. Beaty’s immense dedication and energy are matched by his extraordinary talent as a writer, poet, actor and singer/composer. He won the NAACP Theatre Awards including Best Actor in 2009 and his ensemble play, “Resurrection” won the Edgerton Foundation’s New Play Award in 2008.

Beaty, together with director Charles Randolph-Wright, gives this solo experience his, all and presents to us a heart-wrenchingly real and dynamic story of African-American sons who are trying to achieve more than their fathers — and give more to their own sons. His story transcends race, and anyone who is a son or a father will be able to relate to this drama. Beaty’s talent shines as he climbs into the skins of his diverse characters.

The play opens with 10-year-old, Eric, the “transformer” who feels the burden to take responsibility for his father’s happiness. Mr. Rodgers who did not have a father, is struggling to support his family with his health food store.

Isaac, a successful yuppie PR executive in the recording industry, has difficulty living up to his father’s expectations. Dre is an expectant father who has been a heroin addict. Bishop Saunders, Isaac’s father, a diabetic with a food addiction, is not as forgiving or tolerant of his son off the pulpit, Twon is a dyslexic high school graduate who dreams of going to Morehouse College and making something of himself. And Allan is Isaac’s gay friend.

Beaty also adroitly gives voice to the women behind the men. The issues are societal issues African American men face, but in “Through the Night,” Beaty dives into issues of self-esteem that are universal and transcend culture.

Beaty last gave us his “Emergency,” which won an Obie in 2007 and was soldiout during its entire seven week run at the Geffen. I was blown away by his talent as a storyteller/actor and did not think he could do better. But, in “Through the Night” he does. I was so moved by the depth of his portrayals and the level of commitment to his characters. Beaty uses his body, his face, and his soul to achieve these many different character portraits. He has a chameleon-like ability to totally embrace these different characters. And, he succeeds in painting each one distinctly. He literally morphs” into them at lightning speed.

The writing is tight as is the pacing. As a writer, Beaty moves his gripping story along and crafts the relationships so that all the characters overlap into each others lives. Isaac, the successful PR mogul, is Bishop Sanders’ son and he also is the mentor to Tuan. Dre, the former heroin addict works at Mr. Rodgers health food store. He got the job after he made a desperate call to Bishop Sanders when he could not make it “through the night.”

The transitions are so smooth and seamless. One character ends a line and the next character picks up on the same words but in his life context. Brilliant crafting.

Beaty never falters, and amazingly, never drops a gesture or voice inflection. His ability to stay in character is uncanny. He also gives the women their due. Mr. Rodgers says, “So much of what I am is due to women’s work.” His wife Sara thinks he is “my king … the kind of man I want our son to be.” As Ellen, Bishop Sanders’ wife of 39 years, Beaty gives a touching portrayal of love in the golden years.
Through his characters, Beaty shows us we “define our destiny and define ourselves.” Life throws curves but, ultimately, as his character says, “I decide who I choose to be.” This powerful solo performance by Daniel Beaty is a not to be missed. He truly is a Renaissance man.

“Through the Night” at the Audrey Skirball Kenis Theatre at the Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte, Westwood, runs through April 4 . Tickets are $64-$69. For tickets, call (310) 208-5454.