Topdog/Underdog

The story’s as old as Genesis: two brothers jockey for position and inheritance. Celebration Arts’ production of Suzan-Lori Parks’ Pulitzer prize-winner, Topdog/Underdog, adds poetic language and a dash of humor. Under Anthony D’Juan’s able direction, the play unfolds with intensity. James R. Ellison III’s understated approach to the street-wise Lincoln adds an undercurrent of hard-earned sorrow. As younger brother Booth, Thomas Lee Wright III is the excitable, agitated half of this sibling rivalry. Topdog/Underdog sparkles with energy and intensity in a reminder of how quickly family conflict can assume Biblical proportions.
Celebration Arts; 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; $8-$10. 4469 D St., (916) 455-2787, www.celebration-arts.net. Through June 27. K.M.