The Hot Wing King

The Hot Wing King, written by Katori Hall and directed by Lili-Anne Brown, is a stunning theatrical performance at Writers Theatre in Chicago. This production skillfully blends wit, drama, joy, and pain, delving into personal struggles, internal fears, isolation, and acceptance themes. It's a true masterpiece that captivates audiences with its powerful storytelling and emotional depth. A Memphis native, playwright, screenwriter, producer, actress, and director, Katori Hall has written The Mountaintop, the Tony-nominated Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, and won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for The Hot Wing King, and deservedly so. Her genuine depiction of the trials, tribulations, and inner struggles experienced by African American men in the narrative was influenced by the real-life journey of her brother, who grapples with the complexities of being a gay man. Hall skillfully navigates the complex intersection of attitudes towards homosexuality within the black community, raising thought-provoking questions about the perceived strength of gay men in raising children in an environment where navigating inner-city challenges can pose both mental and physical risks. She beautifully delves into the intimate struggles of guilt and affirmation while also capturing the complexities of family members' rejection and reluctance to embrace their alternative lifestyle. Lili-Anne Brown is a master at skillfully revealing the depth of each character and vividly portraying the essence of the playwright's material. Her ability to breathe life into the narrative demonstrates why she is regarded as one of Chicago's prominent directors and renowned for his talent and vision; she is frequently sought after by prestigious theaters throughout the United States." The Hot Wing King takes place in the stylish home of Dwayne in Memphis. Cordell, portrayed by Breon Arzell, is frantically preparing for an upcoming chicken wing competition. He recently relocated to Memphis and now resides with Dwayne, played by Jos N. Banks, a hotel manager. Despite settling in, Cordell is still looking for job opportunities in the city and is fighting with the guilt of leaving his family, wife, and kids in St. Louis for Dwayne, a decision he hasn't yet revealed to his family. An independent man, he's frustrated about relying on someone else for financial support. Looking for a way out of depending on Dwayne like a child, he embraces his love for cooking and perfecting his wing recipe, focusing on a new concoction of spicy cajun chicken wings with alfredo sauce and Bourbon-Infused Bacon," hoping this recipe will win him the wing's contest. Helping Cordell is his linemates are the football fanatic, Big Charles (THEE Ricky Harris), the main Diva, I'm a woman, phenomenally, phenomenal woman, That's me, Isom Joseph Anthony Byrd) and his beau, Dwayne, is expected to stay throughout the night doing various tasks (preparing chicken, mixing ingredients in pots, seasoning dishes, letting wood chips soak, and staying overnight in Dwayne's house.) As the head chef, Cordell is known for his strong opinions, controlling ways, and struggles to communicate effectively with others. However, complications arise when Dwayne's 16-year-old nephew, Everett (EJ), comes to live with them. Dwayne, haunted by guilt over the tragic fate of his sister (who died at the hands of policemen restraining her), for which he feels responsible, wants EJ to stay with him. This decision triggers Cordell's feelings of resentment. The situation further escalates when EJ's street-wise and hustler father, TJ, arrives searching for his son. Isom added a creative touch to the recipe by incorporating an extremely hot Pili Pili Sauce seasoning jar, making it too searing to eat.

The combined star power of Arzell, Banks, and Harris set the stage for a potential theater hit. When you add in the exceptional acting performances of Jabari Khaliq, who compellingly portrayed the pain of losing his mother and the frustration of moving from house to house, Kevin Tre'von Patterson's masterful portrayal of the street-wise TJ, and Joseph Anthony Byrd's immaculate and phenomenal performance as Isom, all making their Writers Theatre debut, this play undeniably deserves an extension! The performance and cast are outstanding; they are so remarkable that I wouldn't be surprised if another theater in Chicago tried to secure the rights to this production. I hope the actors and director stay with this production, as it is ideally suited for a diverse Chicago audience and doesn't need to go anywhere else. The most disappointing aspect of this play was the irresistible scent of savory, mouthwatering flavors coming from the kitchen as the guys prepared the wings, and they did not have any wings after the production. Pluck, pluck, we were all hungry for some wings.

Lauren M. Nicholas's set design was mesmerizing, leaving the entire audience in awe. Many were so captivated by the stage house setup, featuring a fabulous kitchen, that we were ready to move in right after the show! Throughout the play, Hall's genuine love for each character is evident. Her creativity effortlessly transitions scenes from joy to pain, exploring themes of interpersonal denial, grief, acceptance, and love. The play depicts an unconventional American family, shedding light on how we often emphasize our differences rather than our similarities. It illustrates how embracing and accepting our differences can lead to a more cohesive society. "The Hot Wing King" brings me to a place where we feel connected and understand each other, even if we're not entirely aligned.

This is a MUST-SEE performance!  

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Writers Theatre

THE HOT-WING KING

Written by Katori Hall

Directed by Lili-Anne Brown

June 20 - July 21, 2024

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