“The Hot Wing King”

***** When I saw the name of the play that Writers Theatre was ending their 2023/2024 season with, I was unsure as to the nature of what it might be about ( except food). “The Hot Wing King” written by Katori Hall, is a very funny play that also has a great deal of heart and soul. Those who have attended Writers over the years know that high quality is what you get and while the stories cover a lot of territory, there is always something in the story that leaves a lasting impression.

Part of this show that stands out is the amazing set. The stage area has become a living room, with a kitchen area that is quite realistic, and I can only guess from what I saw take place that all the appliances are working. I know the sink is. There is also a staircase going up to the second floor and we do spend some time in the guest room. I think Lauren M. Nichols and her staff did an amazing job, and it works. The kitchen is a major part of this production as we spend a great deal of time there as our chef, Cordell ( brilliantly played by Breon Arzell) works on preparation of his Hot Wings for an annual contest. His significant other Dwayne (played to perfection by Jos N. Banks), a hotel manager ,has brought Cordell from St. Louis so that he could start a new life.

Two friends that also live there ( or at least seem to) are part of the comic relief in this story. Big Charles ( deftly handled by THEE Ricky Harris) and Isom ( an unbelievable character created by Joseph Anthony Byrd). I must say that these characters are worth the price of the ticket. They will keep you in stitches. They are helping Cordell towards his goal of winning the first prize and some money in this major event. I don’t want to give away too much, but something happens as they work frantically to get the recipe just right and their whole world changes. (stick around to see just what takes place).

Meanwhile, there is another story regarding Dwayne and his family. His sister recently passed away and her husband TJ ( Kevin Tre”von Patterson) and their son, Everett (deftly handled by Jabari Khaliq) become involved in his life and lifestyle. Everett needs his uncle and a place to stay. This brings pressure and tension to the relationship between Cordell and Dwayne, and as the story goes, we learn a great deal about Cordell’s past and then his future comes into the story.

Smoothly directed by Lili-Anne Brown, this is an amazing story with an ensemble that works quite well together. Often , when this many characters are placed in situations that take on a life of their own, one or two stand out and the others fade into the set. Not so in this production. All six blend together and the main four characters appear to be exactly who they are playing, almost as if this is who they are.

From top to bottom, start to finish, everything about this production sparkles. The lighting (Jason Lynch), sound (Willow James), intimacy director (Gregg Geffrard) and Rae Watson,  who handled the props, did a powerful job. Let’s face it, they were cooking wings onstage and playing basketball in the backyard. The costumes by Yvonne Miranda were often outrageous, but sheer perfection for the characters in this story. I have a feeling that a lot of this was handled by Stage Manger Katie Klemme and her assistant Imani Ross.

This is a story about relationships, friendships, love and understanding. Each of our characters finds themselves re-evaluating their choices and their lifestyle, and at the end, we all feel good. I left the theater in search of somewhere open to get an order of wings. You will probably feel the same!