“The Hot Wing King” Sizzles (only through July 21!)

By Cate Rees-Hessel

Writers Theater’s production of the Pulitzer Prize winning drama “The Hot Wing King” is a fabulous adult show; relevant, heavy dramatic subject matter with moments of well-timed comedy. The all-male cast of characters is preparing for the Hot Wing festival in Memphis, while welcoming a somewhat troubled nephew into the fold. It’s a recipe for disaster when a spicy malfunction happens, stirring the pot on this story of family love and saucy relationships. A glitzy crown waits for the coronation of said King – the one man who can actually eat the blazing wings will reign supreme.

The set is an absolutely lovely house, complete with a working induction stove that allows the audience to smell the wonderful aroma of chicken cooking. Outside the home we see a small yard with a basketball hoop – a taste of suburbia, realistic and inviting. Costumes are both eclectic and fun; the sound design well-crafted. Appropriate background music includes a song by Kirk Franklin and other contemporary artists.

No review of this well-written play would be complete without kudos to this most talented cast: Breon Arzell, Jos N. Banks, Joseph Anthony Byrd, Thee Ricky Harris, Jabari Khaliq, and Kevin Tre’von Patterson. The acting is positively spectacular, climactic and heartfelt. Exemplary direction and well executed lighting round out this amazing production. “The Hot Wing King” is both thought provoking and entertaining. This very compelling theatrical work is not to be missed, so don’t chicken out, but fly on over to Writer’s before July 21st. For tickets or more information, please see their site at www.writerstheatre.org. 

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