Photos by Evan Michael Woods
FAT HAM
By James Ijames
Directed by vicki washington
Produced by Dallas Theater Center and Stage West Theatre
Directed by vicki washington
Produced by Dallas Theater Center and Stage West Theatre
Audience Rating: R
Running Time: 2 hours with no intermission
Running Time: 2 hours with no intermission
Accessible Seating: Available
Hearing Devices: Not Available
ASL Performance: Not Available
Sensory Friendly Performances: Not Available
Production Sound Level: Comfortable
Noises or Visuals to Prepare for: Smoke, Fog, Strobe Lights, Very Realistic Fight Scenes
Hearing Devices: Not Available
ASL Performance: Not Available
Sensory Friendly Performances: Not Available
Production Sound Level: Comfortable
Noises or Visuals to Prepare for: Smoke, Fog, Strobe Lights, Very Realistic Fight Scenes
Reviewed by Glynda Welch
For his Pulitzer Prize Winning Play FAT HAM author Ijames has reached into Shakespeare’s vault and pulled Hamlet out of 15th century Denmark and plopped it down in the backyard of modern-day North Carolina. The warp of time travel turns the indecisive Danish prince into Juicy, a young black man struggling with his identity and place in the world. Director vickie washington labels it a riff on Hamlet and deftly serves up an incredibly funny and enjoyable evening underscored with meaning. Juicy (Tyler Ray Lewis) is decorating the backyard for the wedding reception of his mother, Tedra (Nikka Morton) and his uncle, Rev (Calvin Gabriel) with the limited help of his cousin, Tio (Zachary J. Willis) when Tio and he each separately gets a visit from the ghost of Pap, Juicy’s father (Calvin Gabriel). Pap tells Juicy that Rev is responsible for his death and demands his son avenge his death. Lewis shows off innumerable pieces of the puzzle that is Juicy.
For his Pulitzer Prize Winning Play FAT HAM author Ijames has reached into Shakespeare’s vault and pulled Hamlet out of 15th century Denmark and plopped it down in the backyard of modern-day North Carolina. The warp of time travel turns the indecisive Danish prince into Juicy, a young black man struggling with his identity and place in the world. Director vickie washington labels it a riff on Hamlet and deftly serves up an incredibly funny and enjoyable evening underscored with meaning. Juicy (Tyler Ray Lewis) is decorating the backyard for the wedding reception of his mother, Tedra (Nikka Morton) and his uncle, Rev (Calvin Gabriel) with the limited help of his cousin, Tio (Zachary J. Willis) when Tio and he each separately gets a visit from the ghost of Pap, Juicy’s father (Calvin Gabriel). Pap tells Juicy that Rev is responsible for his death and demands his son avenge his death. Lewis shows off innumerable pieces of the puzzle that is Juicy.
Opening night’s very interactive audience cheered when he stood up for himself and oozed compassion when he suffered. At several points Juicy and Tedra talked directly to the audience, taking advantage of the intimate space that is the Kalita Humphreys Theater. Morton’s Tedra is a sexy, vivacious, flawed mother who loves her son almost as much as she loves herself. Rev alternately charms Tedra. Gabriel plays both Rev and Pap with bluster and strength. Both feel entitled to control over and deference from everyone else. Cousin Tio is essential to keeping this play from becoming a tragedy. Willis embodies the playful (and often high) Tio physically and vocally.
Tedra’s friend Rabby (Cherish Robinson) arrives at the barbecue/reception in an attention getting hot pink suit & matching hat, with her adult children in tow. Larry (Caleb Mosley) wears his full dress Marine uniform while Opal (Jori Jackson) wears a lacy lavender dress. Both seem incredibly uncomfortable in their outfits. Robinson is a mother who knows best and rules her family with a smoothly-gloved iron fist. Mosley’s Caleb is awkward and unsure even as his posture screams Marine. He shuffles back and forth between the adult table and the kid table and isn’t sure where he wants to be. Jackson gives us the real Opal when the elders aren’t around.
This incredible ensemble cast pulls us into the one-step forward, two-steps back dysfunction of these characters and gives us hope that we can also grow through the dysfunction inherent in living. I could write pages about FAT HAM and call your attention to specific moments or scenes, but I won’t. This is not a production to be read about – it is a messy joy to be experienced.
I will offer congratulations to the Fight Choreographer Jeffrey Colangelo for the most realistic onstage fight I have ever seen, as well as to Music Consultant Djore’ Nance for the sheer joy of the karaoke machine moments. Listen for some Shakespeare dialogue, but it won’t be where you expect it. Also, the play within the play is there, embedded in a game of charades.
FAT HAM continues through February 8 at the Dallas Theater Center’s Kalita Humphreys Theater. Tickets are available at dallastheatercenter.org. Don’t miss it!
Experience Live Theater!
Glynda Welch
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