Two sisters, Annelle and Janet, are cleaning out their mother’s house shortly after her death. Annelle, in her third marriage, is insisting that Janet meet Franklin, a mixed race man.  Janet doesn’t want to go and insists on staying home and reading the diaries of her mother that they just discovered. Annelle is appalled that Janet would read these. They are private and are not meant for anyone to read.

In the diaries, their mother wrote about her life growing up as a slave. The relationship with her mistress is at the heart of the diaries. The sisters had never heard these stories before.

The first half of the play is so funny and interesting as we learn about these characters and their desires. In the second half, it dives deep in a fascinating manner as it explores the darker sides of everyone’s past. Tyla Abercrumbie has written a real masterpiece. Even after 3 hours and 15 minutes, there was still more story to tell.

Ayanna Bria Bakari is excellent as Annelle, who loves matchmaking and truly wants the best for her sister. But, she is also hiding some dark secrets. On this evening, the understudy, Saran Bakari, Ayanna’s younger sister is playing Janet. These real life sisters have great chemistry together and make the play come even more to life. Travis Delgado is great and powerful as Annelle’s husband. Xavier Edward King is so charming and likeable as Franklin. Rebecca Hurd is hauntingly good as the mistress. It’s a challenging role to play, and she nails it. Lastly, Demetra Dee is perfectly innocent as the young version of the sister’s mother.

Cost of a ticket: $53

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Exceptional Value –

Rating Scale: Exceptional Value > Worth It > Half Price > Go for Free > Don’t Bother

Get tickets now for Relentless through May 8!   

Quinn Delaney