Reviewed by Ysa Madrigal
Broadwater Main Stage
Through August 18
RECOMMENDED
Chicken Stories is about “more than just chicken.” Indeed, “more than just chicken” seems at first a contradictory notion given the ubiquitous plastering of wing advertisements and the fresh scent of catered fried chicken that pervades the Broadwater Main Stage.
Playwright-director Marcus Folmar and co-producer Reggie Currelley present a thoughtful blend of fact and fiction — delving into the cultural relevance of chicken beyond mere cuisine. The show is predominantly framed through a Black perspective and explores the different realities of community, friendship, love, and generational dynamics. It balances hilarious comedy with the harsh social realities of being African-American, making its goal of representing a fully rounded and authentic community evidently clear.
Through a range of “chicken stories” — from conventional family gatherings and friendly banter to offbeat encounters and heated arguments — chicken is somehow at the forefront of them all. Various scenes play out non-sequentially, almost like sitcom episodes (except the laugh tracks, which ensue by themselves!)
Scenes like an intense roasting battle, “the operation” of reselling chicken sandwiches upwards of $100, and a church staff quarrel had the entire audience bursting into laughter and hollering. Additionally, chef Papa Creole (John Marshall Jones) popped in every few scenes to share bits — or rather “nuggets” — of relevant wisdom that were slightly shady or completely heartfelt. Much of the dialogue and timing of the production relies on audience participation, which is gladly delivered each time. This participation is encouraged in unique ways paired with production– like slightly reducing music volume to allow the audience to react.
A particularly outrageous “chicken story” is the partially accidental purchase of an “80-piece combo.” In this sequence, Deborah (Lavonna Miller) attempts to bring her elderly parents (Lanett Tachel and Maurice G. Smith) a gift from her trip — which, after a rough battle with customer service ended in her boarding the plane with a garbage bag and 80 pieces of chicken. Moments of Deborah’s feud are lit by projections that make the scene appear as if it were a comic book page and as visually impressive as it is humorous.
Chicken transcends being just a gag and becomes the focal point for weaving together genuine emotions and themes such as loss, generational trauma, and racial discrimination. Papa Creole’s “nuggets” of wisdom remind the audience of universal truths that sometimes create contextually bittersweet resonance.
The cast is solid and has great chemistry. Each character seems strikingly real and evokes some relatability that can be felt beyond race, gender, and religion.
The comedic timing, along with the lighting and sound, is sharp, making each story incredibly easy to follow.
The staging overall reflects the show’s sitcom-like quality. A kitchenette that remains in place amidst other changing set pieces is reserved for cutaways of Papa Creole, and is reminiscent of an infomercial collage. A catwalk behind the main center of the stage provides additional layered perspectives akin to video editing that, paired with production, make the viewing experience feel almost digital and surreal. Scenic accoutrements positioned around the theater itself, such as poster advertisements of the fictional businesses featured in various scenes, help enhance the feeling of immersiveness.
(The television-like setup of the scenes is very effective, making the show an excellent recommendation for viewers with shorter attention spans and newcomers to theatre.)
Earlier, before the show started, Folmar shared some motivations behind writing it, including honoring his mother and the community that has shaped him. The driving passion and love behind Chicken Stories can be felt throughout every second — from the consideration put into each character’s identities and struggles to the unapologetic embracement of African American culture. The cast executed Folmar’s vision well, and their flow created a fascinating aura in the theater.
The Broadwater Main Stage, 1076 Lillian Way, Hollywood. Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 pm, Sun., 3 pm; thru Aug. 18. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chicken-stories-at-the-broadwater-mainstage-world-premiere-tickets-910734420167aff=oddtdtcreator&utm_source=email&utm_medium=sparkpost&utm_campaign=postpublish
