In this African American household,
a proudly devout older sister is having to deal with visits from an imperious bi-racial
half sister, and a gay older brother who is surreptitiously bringing his white
partner to their younger brothers upcoming wedding.
The universal and familiar refrain
- ‘don’t marry out of our race, or my
religion, or your gender’ - creates an often-uproarious conflict throughout.
Here is a new interpretation of the meaning ‘immediate family’ because, in this
play, family means you belong, no matter what, and kinship is deeper than partisanship.
Shanésia Davis is Evy, the
devoted teacher with high moral principles; Bryan Terrell Clark is Jesse, whose
secret life has him torn between love and loyalty; Cynda Williams is Ronnie, an
artist whose paintings capture the dramatic chiaroscuro of her kin; J. Nicole
Brooks is Nina, a sassy neighbor and understanding friend; Mark Jude Sullivan is
Kristian, a sweet-natured stranger who longs to belong, and Kamal Angelo Bolden
is younger brother Tony, the reluctant but serene groom. 
Playwright Paul Oakley
Stovall captures the dynamic of family life, complete with its multiple contradictions.
As
director, Phylicia Rashad delightedly pulls out all the dramatic stops, as well as the
comedic aspects, of sibling rivalry.
The elegant set by John Iacovelli, is lit
by Elizabeth Harper, with sound by Joshua Horvath. Exuberant costumes by ESOSA,
with wigs and hair by Carol F. Doran.
At The Mark Taper
Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave, LA, through June 7. Tickets: (213) 628-2772 or www.CenterTheatreGroup.org.
Photos by Craig Schwartz.
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