“The Nacirema Society” reviewed by Paul Lisnek

**** I was not sure what to expect when I sat down in my seat at The Goodman Theatre and saw the beautiful, ornate and classical luxurious set awaiting the cast to enter. The set would suggest a drama of high intensity. Alas, the audience ends up being treated to a comedy farce that rivals the best of the British ( who are praised for their work)playwright.

On one level, playwright Peral Cleage has a story to tell. It is about race, class, and gender challenges in the early 1960’s, but her way of addressing the issues is through the perfect comedy turn. She certainly nods to those important issues of the day, but she encases is all using a family scandal, providing the focus for the show. What we get is a fantastic story told through a set of instantly classical characters played to perfection by a talented ensemble.

I love E. Faye Butler and her work over the years has been fantastic. Her portrayal of Grand Matriarch Grace Dunbar takes her to new acting heights as she keeps the audience laughing from start to finish. Her relationship with Ora Jones ( another Chicago legend) as Catherine is played to an over-the-top comic genius. They could be a new comedy duo. I must also give a special shout to Shariba Rivers whose portrayal as the maid Jessie , speaks nary a line, but whose masterful use of facial expressions and her body language nearly steals the show. I wonder if Shariba wondered is her role was peripheral to the action, but no..she is a force to be reckoned with on that stage!

The casting is truly perfect. If Norman Lear wanted to produce a new sit-com that would speak to gender, race, and class, all encased in a classic plot of family ills, he could do no better than this production and the words of Ms Cleage.

“The Nacirema Society” deserves its turn on Broadway, and I for one hope Ms Cleage will bring these characters back for future plays. Please don’t wait a centennial to treat us to the next gala of “The Nacirema Society”!