Layer By Layer

Stew – Shattered Globe Theatre

Once, whenever a play told the story of a family, it was set in the living room or, in past decades, perhaps the parlor. But now we find more examples of what’s lovingly referred to as a “kitchen sink drama.” This room has become the heart of the home because, not only does warmth and sustenance begin in the kitchen, but the room often becomes the gathering place for everyone to talk about their lives, while noshing on whatever food is available. Zora Howard’s comic drama, which was a Pulitzer Prize Finalist, is set “some time ago, but not too long ago” in the cookhouse of the Tucker family. And while the titular meal is being prepared, layer is built upon layer, so the main character instructs us; and in this story we also learn much about the three generations of women in this household, layer by layer.

Often filled with plenty of laughs, this drama takes place in almost real-time during a special day for the Tuckers. It begins in the morning, when Mama is up before the sun rises, singing along to the Christian radio station, and beginning the detailed cooking of her special recipe, a luscious meat-and-vegetable stew. The dish is always the much-anticipated centerpiece of the annual family church dinner. As the dish begins simmering, the other female family members wake up from their night’s sleep, startled by an annoying dog barking and a loud noise that sounds suspiciously like a gunshot. 

With the arrival of each young woman, Mama first shames them for their laziness and then she puts everyone to work helping her prepare the ingredients for her steaming melange. Nelly is Mama’s rebellious 17-year-old, high school daughter, who has a boyfriend (her “Man”) that no one has ever met. Also, Nelly has a secret that she’s keeping from her family until it finally becomes too big not to share it with her older sister. Lillian is Mama’s eldest daughter, a 30-something mother of two children: a middle school daughter, affectionately called Lil’ Mama, and a young son we never see, but whose whereabouts is continually in question. The same is true about Lillian’s husband, JR, who is also missing in action. She has mysteriously shown up at her childhood home to stay for a while, although her reasons are never questioned or discussed. These are just some of the mysteries that are never fully answered in the confusing climax of this play.

Throughout the play, all the characters seldom listen, constantly talking over the top of each other, just like in real life. Tensions build, old hostilities resurface and arguments continually arise. Problems and dreams are discussed and dismissed as being “all in your head.” One of the most delightful scenes in the play involves Lil’ Mama’s mention of an audition about which she’s nervous. When Mama, Lillian and Nelly think that the young girl’s interested in being cast in a musical, a whole new one-upsmanship erupts between the women. Then Lil’ Mama reluctantly confesses that she’s trying out for the role of Queen Elizabeth in Shakespeare’s “Richard III,” a meaty role in a very sophisticated and challenging play, particularly for a middle school to be producing. The confusing, conflicting direction offered by Mama and her two daughters culminates in a blowup, with Mama delivering Elizabeth’s stirring, soul-shattering monologue, a piece about the murdered little princes in the Tower that, perhaps, foreshadows the climax of this play.

This production is led by Velma Austin’s incredibly energetic and soulful portrayal of Mama. Ms Austin brings a resume of past theatrical experience, and provides layers of realistic emotion and humor to a woman who might be suffering from a mysterious ailment. Jazzma Pryor is perfectly wonderful as Lillian. Being a new member of Shattered Globe Theatre, we’re excited to anticipate enjoying performances by Ms Pryor in many more productions. She taps into every emotion of her character in this role. Pretty Jasmine Cheri Rush is very convincing as an argumentative teenager whose thriving love life is, in her mind, the only way to escape Mama’s stifling  control. 

But the biggest revelation in this cast is young Demetra Dee, who smartly plays 12-year-old Lil’ Mama. So refreshingly honest and realistic is this diminutive actor’s portrayal that I never once doubted that she was an actual preteen caught in the middle of her constantly bickering family. Watch Ms Dee’s expressive face closely, particularly her eyes, as she reacts candidly to all the confusion swirling around her. She’s unbelievable.    

Skillfully and lovingly directed by Milwaukee guest artist, Malkia Stampley, this production lives and breathes with an undeniable passion and earnestness. Set in what looks like an actual working kitchen, complete with running water in the sink and actual groceries everywhere, scenic designer Sotirios Livaditis has mastered his craft. The only thing sadly missing is a working stove to create the fragrances of the stew that we’re told smells so delicious. Also helping to create this realistic world is Zack Berinstein’s original score and composition. All the music and the various sound effects play an important role in this story. And costume designer Austin Winter has created an appropriate wardrobe for each actress that feels just right for this time period. In all, this excellent production, inspired by Zora Howard’s naturalistic comic drama is the result of close teamwork, just like the family portrayed in this play.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented September 9-October 22 by Shattered Globe Theatre at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 773-975-8150 or by going to www.sgtheatre.org/STEW.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.