Howard Gollop
Occasional Shakespearean quotes break through the realistic conversational dialogue as Juicy addresses the audience, but IJames' play stays in the often assaulting and uncomfortable world (and netherworld) of black America. Nathan Henry's direction ably hones a talented cast working on Shaun Motley's engagingly realistic backyard set, complete with an ominous roasting pig. The confluence of dramatic tropes render the play frustratingly ponderous at times, but craftsmanship of the play and the production always remains apparent.
To see a full review of this show, read Howard Gollop's review here.
Sheri Gross
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Sheri Gross' review here.
Mark Horning
This is one of those off kilter shows that has a delayed action on your perception of the production. It will take a couple of days for your mind to sort through the weirdness. It is also an invitation to revisit the original “Hamlet” for clues as to what everything means in both shows. Deep waters lie beneath the still surface of this show. You will not be disappointed.
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.
Laura Kennelly
Director Nathan Henry serves up a comic feast in the Cleveland Play House’s production of Fat Ham by James Ijames. This engaging play, set in contemporary North Carolina, seasons a backyard family barbecue with irreverent splashes of Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
Bottom Line: Festive and delicious, Fat Ham, now playing at the Cleveland Play House, is so terrific I’m (almost) running out of adjectives. No wonder it won the 2022 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. It’s the perfect play for this dark, icy, dire winter February.
To see a full review of this show go here or read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.
Kate Klotzbach
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.
Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
Though contemporary, vibrant, and entertaining, with many references to pop culture and social mores from over five decades—the 1970s through the 2010s—the universal theme that ties different agendas addressed in the play echoes Shakespearean questions about how the individual could and should act in front of the enormous pressure from the family/society. In Shakespeare’s Hamlet's case, his family is the kingdom.
To see a full review of this show, read Yuko's posts here.
Joey Morona
With Ijames’ sometimes overly verbose dialogue and demonstrative stage action, “Fat Ham” could’ve easily devolved into an over-the-top farce. However, under Henry’s deft direction, the play triumphs as a humorous yet unexpectedly layered meditation on identity and self-determination. Shaun Motley’s impressive set design and Yvonne L. Miranda’s bold costumes complete the immersive experience.
To see a full review of this show, read Joey's posts here.
