Review: 'Fat Ham' Explores the Generational Costs of Trauma, Homophobia

Wilbury Theatre Group's "Fat Ham" is a wildly entertaining and witty send-up of Shakespeare's classic tragedy, "Hamlet."

The play won the 2022 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and was nominated for five Tony awards including Best Play. Writer James Ijames explores the cycle of violence that can impact Black families, as well as the internalized homophobia felt by many men of color.

Dana Reid is tremendously likable and sympathetic as Juicy, a gay Black man coming to terms with his sexual identity. Juicy has been taking an online college course and hopes for a career in Human Resources.

Juicy's vivacious mother Tedra (Maria Albertina) has recently married his Uncle Rev (brilliantly played by Jermaine L. Pearson), a narcissist and bully who berates Juicy for being "soft" and not acting like a real man.

While preparing for a wedding barbecue, Juicy is visited by the ghost of his father (Pearson, in a dual role). It turns out Rev was responsible for the murder of Juicy's father in prison. Now Juicy is asked to avenge his father by killing Rev.

Juicy was abused physically and emotionally by his father, yet he still loves him. Will he prove his loyalty by killing another human being?

Other guests at the barbecue include Juicy's perpetually sex-obsessed friend Tio (Jeff Ararat), military servicemember Larry (Mamadou Toure), Larry's sister Opal (Autumn Jefferson), and their mother Rabby (Michelle L. Walker).

Every performer gets the opportunity to shine in this show. As Tedra, Albertina ("Between Riverside and Crazy") excels at playing a morally conflicted woman trying to do what's right for her family. She loves her son, but is willing to overlook her new husband's vile behavior. Jefferson, who appeared in "BLKS," is wickedly sardonic as Opal. The way Opal deals with her sexual identity and relates to Juicy allows for some of the play's funniest moments. The interplay between Jefferson and Reid sparkles with comic energy.

Director Don Mays ("Hypeman: a break-beat play") maintains a steady balance of comedy and drama, sometimes having Juicy break the "fourth wall" to address the audience. One of the show's highlights features Juicy doing a karaoke rendition of Radiohead's "Creep." The song's lyrics encapsulate Juicy's sense of alienation and insecurity. I need to recognize Reid for his unique stage presence and ability to exhibit Juicy's vulnerability and need for affection. Juicy is a multi-dimensional character, and Reid's vitality makes this a must-see production.

There's also a very poignant scene between Juicy and Larry, when Juicy tells him about a doll he had when he was younger. Juicy's father was mortified and threw the doll away, which devastated Juicy.

Larry shares some secrets of his own with Juicy, which leads to an act of violence. I won't spoil anything, but Toure subtly reveals the layers of the character and his internal anguish. It's a great performance.

"Fat Ham" is a good-looking show. Monica Shinn and Shanel Lashay Smith have created a cozy and inviting backdrop for the action.

"Fat Ham" runs through April 13. Wilbury Theatre Company. 475 Valley St., Providence, RI. Running time is 1 hour, 45 minutes. No intermission. For tickets, call 401-400-7100 or visit thewilburygroup.org.