So I go to see this play last night at the Goodman's Owen Theater in Chicago. I love this theater. It's intimate, classy, and typically has some high quality entertainment scheduled. I knew absolutely nothing about Immediate Family which is written by Paul Oakley Stovall and directed by Phylicia Rashad. Its trailers and advertisement gave me no indication whatsoever the theme of this play. So I didn't decide to go til the last minute. Needless to say, if shock value is what they were going for MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.
I won't say exactly what this play is about so as not to ruin it for those who may be yet going to see it, but I will say that you should go prepared to be confronted with some extremely powerful and controversial issues. If you're African American, I think these issues are ones that are conspicuously absent in our community. The play thrusts them full force into the open and provides a platform for contemplation and discussion, if not solutions.
From philandering family men and interracial relationships, to homosexuality and unresolved issues with a deceased loved one - this play has them all! And they jam on the bid whist! Brings back memories of my old card playing days!
If you're looking for some evening entertainment that leaves you warm and fuzzy all over, you can go ahead and skip this one. A mostly black cast of 6 expertly delivers riveting dialogue for an hour and a half with no intermission. You barely notice the time because there is no lull, no lapse of intensity for a second of this play.
It took me awhile to process and figure out whether I liked Immediate Family or not. The shock of the subject matter had to wear off first. At the end of the day, I have to say it was pretty good.
Good job Phylicia Rashad.
Check it out yourself at ImmediateFamilyPlay.com. Or go see it. Runs through Aug 5.
