Reviewer: Howard Steven Frydman aka “The Howard”
Production: The Hot Wing King
Theater: The Hartford Stage
Playwright: Katori Hall
Directed by: Christopher D. Betts
Scenic Design: Emmie Finckel
The Howard Says- “We have the Hots for The Hot Wing King -!”
Galloping gourmets, suffering succotash and finally – “When life gives you wings, eat them with delight!” Do you have the hots for hot wings? well we do! Well- Dip me in a fiery sweet chili sauce, because our tongues are singularly ablaze with “The Hot Wing King’s” hot spicy recipe of humor, offbeat comedy, family, relationships and black love. Folks let me tell you – the Pulitzer-Prize-winning comedy/drama, “The Hot Wing King” by playwright Katori Hall, is indeed an “Atomic Hot Zone” of inspirational delight as it presents themes and a depiction of Black Queer relationships all captured with a back story of an upcoming “battle of the hot wing” competition. Directed by Christopher D. Betts, “The Hot Wing King”, Katori Hall’s Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy-drama, “groundbreaking for its joyful portrayal of gay black men” is currently in production through March 24, 2024, at the Hartford Stage in Hartford, Connecticut..
First of all – my initial two thoughts this pre-spring March weekend. I am simply so proud, as an ardent theater-goer, to be a witness in seeing so many folks this day participating in live theatre. Here I am awaiting, alike so many, the Hartford Stage’s theater doors opening. Throngs of folks of all ages joyfully surround the outer lobby – parents, children, whole families have gathered, here in support of theater, and in eager anticipation of seeing “The Hot Wing King”. Second – on entry to the theater, the glorious “The Hot Wing King” set- wowzers! I justly need to complement Scenic Designer, Emmie Finckel, on her marvelous stage presentation- simply beautiful. I must state, of late, beyond our actors, various scenic designers have been so much part and parcel of one’s enjoyment of the entire production. Folks, please take note. Here its a majestic two floor house set, kitchen, living room on the main floor, with a second-tier bedroom, and even a basketball field set at stage left.
Be it flats, skateboards or drums- we all enjoy chicken wings with various hot sauces and this tale, like the wings depicted is simply irresistible. From the get-go- the play opens with our hot wing crew – “The New Wing Order” preparing Hot Wings for the upcoming Memphis “Hot Wang Festival! Yesiree- right on stage – those are real wings my friends, frying and marinating. Taking note of audience members being enticed by the wing pre-prep, I so wish this was “Smello-Rama” –we so sorely seek to take in the aroma of those various unique spices that the frying wings are lovingly being basked in on the stage’s set – yes – there’s the rub!
Quickly we are ushered into the world of those who are forging their own path. Cordell (Bjorn DuPaty) – the “Hot Wing King”, who’s preparing to retake the coveted “Wing Crown” with a secret spicy new recipe. Joining Cordell is his live-in paramour Dwayne (Calvin M. Thompson) and the “Wing Crew”, including the “ever comical” Isom (Israel Erron Ford), Big Charles (Postell Pringle), and Dwayne’s nephew Everett “EJ” (Marcus Gladney, Jr.) who is need of a place to stay, and lastly TJ – (Alphonso Walker Jr.) Everett’s irresponsible street-savvy father. Folks, “The Hot Wing King” wings are marinating, will an unforeseen emergency fall short the King’s culinary plans in this “oh so” enticing slice of life comedy/drama. Please save me the drumettes- “The Hot Wing King” – is spicy, funny and endearing!
“The Hot Wing King”, combines my two favorite things-theater and eating – what could be better says “The Howard”! You leave the theater so hungry for more or at least in the mood for some Hot Wings! I have already mentioned the most creative kitchen set design by Emmie Finckel and now provide insight on our cast. Friends, each character truly pulls on our heartstrings. Just like the enticing hot wings, we experience so much joy in their combined performance- in fact we want more of these characters, our five leads would make a great weekly tv drama/com. What other dilemmas’ can the comedic Isom get into! These oh so-familiar characters connect- funny, intelligent and poignant providing a “slice of life” of their world. Major kudos to our leads Bjorn DuPaty and Calvin M. Thompson. The Howard presents the coveted “The Howard Noticed You Award” aka “The HNY’s” to the “YOU STOLE THE SHOW” and you know it – to Israel Erron Ford as “Isom”- comedic gold is he- an amazing characterization -give this young man his own TV series! Folks for those with an appetite for both great performances, interconnecting characters and a funny intelligent and oh-so poignant story – we invite you to stop by The Hartford Stage for this production of “The Hot Wing King”. Enjoy!!
The Hot Wing King will run through Sunday, March 24, 2024. Tuesday through Thursday evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday evening performances begin at 8:00 p.m.; matinee performances on Saturdays, Sundays, and a select Wednesday begin at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets for The Hot Wing King start at $30. Discounts are available for students and groups. Groups wanting to create a special occasion out of their visit can reserve a private space at the theater to enjoy a reception before or after the performance. Email boxoffice@hartfordstage.org for more information about pricing and availability.
Howard Steven Frydman aka “The Howard” is General Manager and Executive Director of BATV – Channels 5, 95 & 96 and a member of the CCC. Please feel free to contact Mr. Frydman with your thoughts and ideas at TheHoward24@gmail.com.
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