By TR Robertson Photos by Esteban Marin
Oceanside Theatre Company’s opening production for their new season is Douglas Lyons “Chicken & Biscuits”, presenting a funeral like you’ve never seen before. This former Broadway production centers around the death of the Jenkins family patriarch, Berard Jenkins, and a host of family unresolved issues involving practically every family member attending along with some “new folk”. “Chicken & Biscuits” debuted in 2020 at the Queens Theatre in the Park, unfortunately closing due to the COVID pandemic. It would reopen in 2021, this time on Broadway at the Circle in the Square Theatre, running for four months, but was cut short due to COVID pandemic restrictions in New York City. Playwright Douglas Lyons earned a GLADD nomination for “Chicken and Biscuits” and has written music and lyrics for numerous TV shows. He also performed on Broadway in “The Book of Mormon”.
Like many families everywhere, the families in “Chicken & Biscuits” have issues, big and small. Some deal with unresolved conflict, some relationship situations, some sibling rivalry, and some from secrets that are beginning to surface. Perhaps it is best said by Simone Mabry, daughter of Reginald and Baneatta Mabry (Baneatta one of the daughters of the deceased Pastor Bernard Jenkins), when she is speaking to her niece La’Trice and says to her “Family is a loaded word”. This cleverly written dramady uses wonderfully funny “one liner’s”, mixed with tense moments, to explain the dynamics of these family members and the issues they have with one another. A 2021 review in Variety referred to the play as a “much needed therapy session”. The 90-minute play, no intermission, flows smoothly with limited stage props and raised portions on the stage to create the church and various other locations.
The key to this production is the talented veteran cast for this play, all making their debut at the Oceanside Theatre Company. Playing the two Jenkins sisters are Kimberly King as Banetta Mabry and Taylor Renee Henderson as Beverly Jenkins. Banetta is the stoic, unbending sister and Kimberly’s presentation is spot-on. Banetta has a tremendous weight on her shoulders and is dealing with much more that the death of her father. She is not happy with her son’s selection of a life partner, and she also has a secret that will also come out later in the play. Henderson, as Beverly, is the outgoing, younger sister, and has a quick wit, biting comments and funny mannerisms. Beverly and Banetta butt heads throughout the play, until the end when all will surface.
Playing Banetta’s husband is Durwood Murray as Pastor Reginald Mabry. Pastor Reginald has assumed the leadership of the church, once led by Pastor Bernard. It is Reginald’s job to present the eulogy for Pastor Bernard, and he is also dealing with a variety of family issues that come along, led by the constant conflict between Beverly and Banetta. Murray is outstanding in this portrayal of the Pastor, and you do not want to miss the eulogy he delivers, causing many in the audience to stand up and applaud. You also get to take part in the eulogy and become a part of the congregation.
Kiara Hudlin plays Simone Mabry, daughter of Banetta and Reginald. Jacob James plays Kenny Mabry, son of Banetta and Reginald. Both of them also have their own individual conflicts that will surface. One major issue is Kenny’s choice of a life partner, Logan Leibowitz played by Marley Bauer, a White neurotic Jewish gentleman. Kenny’s black family members, specifically his mother and sister, are not pleased with his relationship. Marley is impressive in his portrayal of Logan who is also dealing with a host of issues, most importantly trying to win over Kenny’s mother. Allyce Calloway plays La’Trice Franklin, Beverly’s daughter. La’Trice is an almost 16-year-old young lady and a “wantabe rapper” who also wants to know everybody’s business. Allyce presents this member of the family perfectly.
The final member of the cast we do not see until toward the end of the play. Michael Amira Temple plays Brianna Jenkins, the shocking family secret Banetta has been keeping from the family. Her revelation will help bring a multitude of conflicts and issues to a head, making this a funeral to remember for a long time for this family. Will everyone enjoy Bernard’s favorite meal, chicken & biscuits & Dr Pepper, or will everyone go away mad? You’ll have to see the dramady to find out. This dramady has everything most will identify with within your own family – family conflicts and issues, laughter, love, healing, respect and resilience. As the dramady says, this is “family in its purest and fragile form”.
This entertaining play has a Creative Team of Oceanside Theatre Company’s Artistic Director Kevin “Blax” Burroughs, Stage Manager/Props & Set Dressing Tori Jones, Assistant Stage Manager Patrick Bator, Sound Designer & Original Music Andre Buck Jr., Costume Designer Emily Carter, Scenic Designer Reiko Huffman, and Lighting Designer Mashun Tucker.
“Chicken & Biscuits” will be onstage until March 24th at Oceanside Theatre Company in the Sunshine Brooks Theater at 217 N. Coast Highway. For tickets call 760-433-8900 or go online to www.OceansideTheatre.org . Next on stage at OTC will be the musical “Next to Normal” beginning on May 10th.
