It’s 1964 in Montgomery, Alabama. The Nacirema Society is preparing for their 100 year celebration. The grande dame is incredibly excited preparing for the event. The children are not that interested in the event or the plans that their parents have laid out for them. Gracie isn’t interested in attending Fisk in Nashville. Instead, she wants to go to school in NY to become a writer. Bobby doesn’t want to be with Gracie. Instead, he wants to marry another woman. Also, Alpha is blackmailing the grande dame. She is claiming that Dunbar is her father. The tensions continue to rise as further developments surface.

Similar to Pearl Cleage’s other play, Blues for an Alabama Sky, currently running at Theatre Wit, this play starts out a bit slow as the characters and plot are introduced. In the second half, the action does increase as it becomes a farce and the laughs start rolling in.

The set is very impressive. They built the inside of a large mansion which then slides out of the way as a smaller kitchen set moves in. This matches the extravagance of the costumes.

E. Faye Butler (Gypsy) is extraordinary as the larger than life grande dame who loves to be in control of everything. Demetra Dee (STEW, Be Here Now) is so sweet and funny as Gracie, intent on chasing her dreams. Eric Gerard is so charming as Bobby, who has fallen deeply in love. Ora Jones (The Children, Familiar, The Roommate) is hilarious as Bobby’s overwhelmed mother. Jaye Ladymore (Relentless) is so funny as the reporter from the NY Times. Tyla Abercumbie (Sweat, writer of Relentless) is great as Alpha, stumbling through a blackmail attempt. Lastly, Sharriese Hamilton (A Gentleman’s Guide To Love and Murder) and Shariba W. Rivers are great in their supporting roles.

Cost of a ticket: $65 (Back Main Floor)

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Worth It

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

Get tickets now for The Nacirema Society through October 22^nd!

Quinn Delaney