Nice-Nice

Jaja’s African Hair Braiding

Talk about a play being timely. Just as the news is reporting that following the inauguration of the new President, a sweeping mass National Deportation Plan is set to begin in Chicago, a dazzling and lively new play that focuses on a community of African immigrants is playing on Navy Pier. Jocelyn Bioh’s 2023 Broadway hit is part of a limited National Tour. The comic drama has just opened in the Windy City and, coincidentally, its plot points seem to be ripped from tomorrow’s headlines. Both the Mayor and the Governor of Illinois have promised that Chicago’s still a Sanctuary City and that immigrants will be protected. But the events that transpire in the final scene of JAJA’S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING will remind audiences of the prescience of Bioh’s play. Of course, the comic drama actually takes place in Harlem, New York back in 2019, during Trump’s first term. But with his re-election, the nightmare has returned for every immigrant who this new administration determines is “illegal.”

But lest theatergoers think that this alluring and highly amusing Midwest Premiere is a heavy political drama, think again. It’s so much more. A steaming hot summer day begins and the talented ladies who ply their braiding skills come to work at Jaja’s Shop. They form a microcosm of women from all walks of life. The hair stylists get ready to meet their many new and faithful customers with their collective goal to make their patrons look and feel “Nice-Nice.” 

Throughout the 90-minute comedy we meet a bevy of fascinating and gifted women. Marie, Jaja’s wise and book-smart young daughter, is currently running the shop while her mother prepares for her upcoming green card wedding. Marie (brilliantly played with a light touch by film and TV actress, Jordan Rice) has recently graduated from high school with honors and she’s hoping to continue her education at college. As the young woman tries to manage her mom’s shop, deal with the staff and their idiosyncrasies and peccadillos, and cope with demanding and temperamental customers, something happens that changes the tone of the play. When a deportation raid suddenly occurs the women forget all their rivalries and differences and come together in support.

The cast is triumphantly talented and very impressive. Fresh from the original Broadway production, Victoire Charles makes her CST premiere as Jaja. She’s beautiful and commanding in her brief appearance toward the end of the play, a statuesque force of nature in Tony Award-winning Costumer Dede Ayite’s stunning bridal gown. Awa Sal Secka, also making her CST debut, is a powerhouse as Bea, Jaja’s best friend. She’s a whining woman who feels the African Braiding Salon should really belong to her. The petulant hair stylist rules the roost, but proves to be compassionately in charge when push comes to shove. A familiar face, both at CST and all over Chicago, television and film, Tiffany Renee Johnson is effervescent as sexy Aminata. She and Bea are besties and while Aminata’s hair braiding skill is undeniable, her taste in men seems questionable to her friend. Ms. Johnson’s especially delightful when leading an impromptu group dance break at Jaja’s.

Two younger hair braiders also show off their talents along with their charming personalities. Aisha Sougou nicely portrays Ndidi, a skilled new hair stylist recently hired by Jaja. Queen Bea continually berates the young hair braider and claims she should be fired because Ndidi’s stolen some of the seasoned stylist’s former customers. But this multitalented young actress, who recently made a big splash in the last three musicals at the Marriott Theatre, holds her own and demonstrates she’s a true artiste with hair. And lovely Bisserat Tseggai shines as the radiant Miriam, a quiet, young stylist who is not only a genius at hair braiding but is absolutely delightful when revealing some surprising personal secrets about her life back in West Africa. Mia Ellis is strong as Jennifer, a no-nonsense customer who spends the day being microbraided at Jaja’s Shop. And Yao Dogbe, Leovina Charles and, especially, Chicago’s own talented Melanie Brezill all glimmer and glow when playing a variety of different characters.

The Tour of this Tony Award-winning hit Broadway play is once again Directed with ferocity and feeling by Whitney White. David Zinn’s inventive and brightly-colored Set Design, Dede Ayite’s creative Costumes and, especially, Nikiya Mathis’ Award-winning Hair and Wig Design are the real standouts of this production. Stefania Bubarella’s excellent Video Design and Justin Ellington’s Original Music and Sound Design beautifully round out the polished technical touches that make this a very Nice-Nice production. Jocelyn Bioh’s hilarious and sometimes heartbreaking comic drama will absolutely entertain and warm the hearts of every Chicago theatergoer. 

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented January 14-February 2 by Chicago Shakespeare Theatre in the Yard, 800 Grand Avenue on Navy Pier, Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the CST box office, by calling 312.595.5600 or by going to www.chicagoshakes.com.

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