Samm-Art Williams, who died on May 13 as Home began previews at the Roundabout Theatre Company, lived many lives. He was a playwright, an actor and a TV executive producer (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air). He was a burly southpaw who sparred with Muhammad Ali. Too young to leave us at 78, Williams made every moment count. Not surprising that the protagonist of his 1979 hit play should also be a man of many modes who endures multiple trials. Cephus Miles (Tory Kittles), as his surname foretells, is fated to travel great distances. Don’t be surprised if his story evokes thoughts of Odysseus. This rollicking memory play is very much about getting back to one’s roots, but I suspect the title winks at Homer.

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How does Cephus, a humble Southern farmer, compare to the mythical king of Ithaca who wandered sea and land before returning to his palace? Odysseus goes to war against the Trojans; Cephus is an accidental conscientious objector to the........

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