In this new podcast, several cast members join in a discussion of this 2022 Pulitzer Prize winning play. Based on (or perhaps paying tribute to) Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the characters are a reflection of those in Hamlet. But this re-telling takes place in the backyard of a southern barbeque which becomes the setting for the characters dealing with black, queer discovery of self and indeed their stories of resilience.  Joining in the conversation are: Trumane Alston (Juicy) the son of Tedra (played by Anji White) who faces some serious challenges in finding himself. Also in the cast is Chicago’s Very Own and stage favorite E. Faye Butler(playing Rabby) whose over the top performance will keep you in stitches…E. Faye owns that stage whenever and wherever she appears! And also Sheldon Brown (playing Larry) who you likely saw starring with Norm Lewis in the national tour of “A Soldier’s Play.”

What would Shakespeare think of this re-telling of one of his classics? And how does this modern day version resonate with today’s audiences? Simply put, this is one fabulous show you should not miss!

Tickets for Fat Ham playing through March 9th can be purchased at: www.GoodmanTheatre.org

Review: “Fat Ham” at Goodman Theatre

****/4

To see or not to see! There is NO question: See Fat Ham!  Yes, it’s a re-telling in very modern terms of Shakespeare’s classic Hamlet. If I were to select a famous phrase that represents the message to the audience from this Pulitzer Prize winning (for Drama) play it would be: “To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”

A barbeque set in the south is the playground for a story of Black, queer discovery in which we see the strength of character strength grow before our eyes thru a somewhat dysfunctional family afternoon. Shakespeare wrote in Hamlet that “there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” And in this production, there’s lots of thinking, lots of imagining…and the story is told thru masterful casting!

No matter the size of her role, Chicago’s very own E. Faye Butler commands the stage as Rabby, a larger than life figure who tries to control her family which is clearly beyond her control. But of course all eyes are on Juicy (warmly and thoughtfully portrayed by Trumane Alston) because without a sense of sympathy for a character who is strongly contemplating committing a violent act, this show can’t work. Strong performances are turned in by every single actor who embodies their role making even the exaggerated character play very real…and very relatable.

There is no need to trim any Fat from Fat Ham…it’s perfectly done as is….it’s not to be missed.

One suggestion: you’ll want to make after show reservations for dinner, because there’s little chance you can walk out of the theater not craving some ribs, ham…and for vegetarians, some really good mac and cheese!

Goodman has created another classic production that rivals any version you would have seen on Broadway.