Things that make me happy: Things that make me happy... Stick Fly

Things that make me happy... Stick Fly - The Play

Kenny Leon, the talented director of plays like Fences, Mountaintop, and A Raisin in the Sun, is on directing is latest broadway play, Stick Fly. I am quickly becoming a loyal fan of his work because he tells stories that covers topics that I care about and tells these stories that anyone living in modern times can relate. Stick Fly stars Dule Hill (West Wing, Psych), Mekhi Phifer (ER, 8 mile), Ruben Santiago Hudson (Seven Guitars, Jelly's Last Jam, Lackawanna Blues), Tracie Thoms (Rent, The Exonerated "The Devil Wears Prada"), Condola Rashad (Ruined, "The Good Wife") and Rosie Benton (Temporal Powers).

This talented group of actors display great chemistry on stage as they depict a weekend family gathering in the family home in Martha's Vineyard. The story revolves around the family dynamics of a well to do family as they face modern issues of race, expectation, responsibility, and love. The play is witty, and fast moving with quick dialogue and great soundtrack created by Alicia Keys who happens to be the producer of the this play as well.

In the past plays catering to a black audience typically were filled with over the top chitlen-type clownish characters. This play respects the intelligence of the audience and delivers humor with clever lines and nuanced performances by the actors. All the while evoking real emotions as the family members deal with complicated issues that creates a tension that anyone would recognized if you ever were the guest at a significant other family gathering for the first time... in Martha's Vineyard.

Pros:
Actors - Great casts with great performances.
Music - R&B inspired music by Alicia Keys
The script - Tight writing and good plot that keeps the audience engaged.

Cons
None... really but its a play and not a musical for those expecting singing and dancing
There is tension throughout the play. There are no real obvious villians or heroes, just people trying there best to live their lives.
There is a slight depictions of "man bashing" in parts of the play, but tastefully done. Women are called on there "ish" a little, but the men take the brunt.

All in all, another great play to see with your girlfriends and homeys which can lead to healthy discussion in dinner and drinks afterwards.