Ya Gotta Have Friends

The Hot Wing King

If you’ve ever wondered what love looks like, I’ve got a wonderful play for you. Katori Hall’s infectious, joyful Pulitzer Prize-winning play is a portrait of every kind of love: allegiance affection and profound amour. The story is set in urban Tennessee on the evening before and the morning of Memphis’ famous World Championship Hot Wing Contest & Festival. It focuses on a group of African-American men, both gay and straight, all bonded by friendship, respect and a love for each other. Ms. Hall’s two-act dramatic comedy beautifully illustrates that, as Bette Midler sang, “Ya Gotta Have Friends.” It also supports the old adage that one’s family into isn’t necessarily the one you were born into, comprised of blood relatives; but rather it could be the people whom we choose.

One of Chicago’s most accomplished and highly respected Directors, Lili-Anne Brown, has supervised and guided Hall’s play with the skill of a talented, expert juggler. The metaphorical balls are always furiously flying through the air between the six talented actors in this ensemble cast. Ms. Brown, whose directorial work has been enjoyed all over this country, accomplished a similar feat in her brilliant Chicago productions of THE NACIREMA SOCIETY and SCHOOL GIRLS, OR THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY, both at the Goodman Theatre. Here at Writers Theatre this gifted and talented Director gives Chicagoland audiences a screwball comedy filled with a great deal of heart.

Cordell (played by the remarkably multitalented Breon Arzell) moved from St. Louis to Memphis after falling in love with Dwayne. Still unfortunately “between jobs,” Cordell’s true passion is cooking. His skill and enthusiasm particularly blossoms during the annual Spring cooking competition, during which the titular Hot Wing King is crowned. Dwayne (portrayed with so much depth, devotion and dignity by the brilliant Jos N. Banks) is the manager of a high end hotel in downtown Memphis. He owns the stylishly luxurious house that Dwayne and Cordell share, and where the play is set. 

Dwayne is truly living his best life in every respect. His only downfall is that he likes to manage everyone and everything around him, not just his hotel. One tragic event from his past, however, still haunts him. Although Dwayne feels he might’ve prevented it, his mentally unstable sister lost her life a few years ago. She left behind Dwayne’s 16-year-old nephew, Everett (astutely played with boyish spirit by Jabari Khaliq), to survive with his homeless, street-smart father, TJ (Kevin Tre’von Patterson in a powerful role). Guilt and familial feelings have moved Dwayne to consider taking the boy in, but Cordell (who left his wife and two grown children to move in with Dwayne) isn’t so sure that’s a good idea.

Add to this extended family of friends are Big Charles, played with his usual audacious sass and flippancy by THEE Ricky Harris. Mr. Harris all but stole Black Ensemble Theatre’s wonderful productions of THE TIME MACHINE—A TRIBUTE TO THE 80’s and A TASTE OF SOUL, and he’s a standout in this production as a local sports team couch potato and an aficionado of hot wings. Today he’s brought along the effeminate, flighty and flamboyant Isom. Filled with attitude and sashaying all over the stage, flaunting his chic and colorful finery, chewing up the scenery with every swish and strut, and inspiring more laughs than anyone, the incredibly gifted Joseph Anthony Byrd gives Isom plenty of outrageous oomph. The talented Mr. Byrd definitely knows comedy, having toured in the hilarious farce, THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG, as well as in Disney’s THE LION KING. His quirky character adds color and spice to this story, in more ways than one. In fact, Isom’s innocent culinary faux pas at the end of Act I inspires the play’s happy ending.

Technically speaking, this production is also a winner. Lauren M. Nichols’ impressively realistic Scenic Design actually made audiences stop in their tracks, while entering the theatre. She’s created a fantastic two-story house and yard. While upstairs is a handsomely decorated guest bedroom, the lower level of the house features a plush seating area and an authentically  functioning kitchen. If you’re sitting close enough, you can even smell the delicious aroma of Cordell’s hot wings being cooked. Peer through the window and you’ll see trees and bushes growing outside. Check out the backyard and porch area and observe the basketball court, the garden greenery and the trash cans for soaking the bar-be-que wood chips. Lifelike Lighting comes courtesy of Jason Lynch, and the show is liberally peppered with appropriate Music and Sound, all Designed by Willow James. And every character is an individual and looks great, from the Hot Wing tee shirts designed for the competition to Dwyane’s expensive Versace wardrobe, all from creative Costume Designer Yvonne Miranda.    

Lili-Anne Brown’s peppy and positive production of Katori Hall’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play is like a whirling dervish. It’s constantly spinning, full of motion and overloaded with laughs and life. The comedy is a celebration of family, friendship and food, seasoned with a few moments of drama, and highlighted by realistic and rousing performances filled with fun. There can be no better way to bring the excellent 2023/24 season at Writers Theatre to a close and celebrate Gay Pride month. This gloriously joyful production is a testament to the fact that Ya Gotta Have Friends in this crazy world, especially if you’re going to survive everything that life throws at you.     

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented June 20-July 21 by Writers Theatre, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe, Illinois.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 847-242-6000 or by going to www.writerstheatre.org.

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