Grade: A

On its face, Lynn Nottage's “Intimate Apparel” is a snapshot of her great-grandmother's life. A fictionalized account based on an old photograph and the scant information that she had supported herself by making undergarments for ladies in early 1900s New York. But that spare skeleton is fleshed out into a exceptionally literate and heartfelt play that details, largely through the lead character of Esther, the day-to-day existence of African American life at the turn of the century.

In the hands of Timothy Douglas, the play breathes, not just life, but fire.

Douglas is a masterful director whose ability to turn a cast into an ensemble is extraordinary. This is the fifth time I have seen his work and each and every instance enhances my opinion. His standards are unflinchingly high, and he consistently creates uncommon works of theater art, both in conception and execution.

Nikki E. Walker is absolutely stunning in the lead, thoroughly engaging and brutally honest. She plays Esther as a woman of remarkable substance with an overlying delicacy and grace. In Walker's performance the audience is treated to beautifully detailed characterization, completely believable and expertly interpreted.

Jeff Weins is wonderful as the Jewish merchant who supplies Esther with fabric for her work. Their scenes together progress from respect to a love that each knows can never be requited, and are tinged with a reserved passion that gives the play its heart.

Rachel Leslie (“The Crucible”) and Lizan Mitchell (“A Lesson Before Dying”) are two of Esther's friends; Mitchell her landlady and confidant, and Leslie a prostitute and customer.

Both are brilliant. Amy Lynn Stewart is excellent as a society matron who is also a customer, and Brian Anthony Wilson is superb as a Barbadian laborer who Esther corresponds with and who eventually marries and betrays her.

Tony Cisek has designed a particularly effective set, with shear, winding fabric forming a backdrop to the simple dark wood set pieces. Tracy Dorman's costumes are exquisite, and Michael Gilliam lights the play beautifully.

This play may not be suitable for younger children.

If you go

What: Lynn Nottage's “Intimate Apparel”

When: 7:30 tonight, 8 p.m. Friday, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday; continues through March 19

Where: Syracuse Stage, 820 E.

Genesee St., Syracuse

Box office: call 443-3275