In a Los Angeles premiere at the Pasadena Playhouse, the African-American playwright reveals how trauma passes between generations with the same mistakes spiraling in painful cycles.
By John Lavitt
Pasadena, CA (The Hollywood Times) 07-18-2023
After being designated the State Theater of California and receiving a Regional Theatre Tony Award, the Pasadena Playhouse is on a roll. Led by Danny Feldman, Producing Artistic Director, the Pasadena Playhouse has had a remarkable 2023 artistic season, highlighted by the recent Sondheim Festival. Taking a turn in a new direction with a production of “Stew” by playwright Zora Howard, the respected venue shows the ongoing versatility of its artistic offerings. As a dramatic story of three generations of African American women interacting as they cook Mama’s legendary stew for a church outing, the concoction in the kitchen becomes the ultimate metaphor for these women’s lives.
With her family on hand to help, one would believe that Mama (an authoritative LisaGay Hamilton) would have no problem making her legendary stew. However, the three generations of Tucker women do not necessarily make for a calm kitchen or a peaceful household when thrust together under one roof. Indeed, the sanctum of Mama’s kitchen is violated by dark secrets that infringe on the constructed serenity of the family.
Opening night was highlighted by the attendance of playwright Zora Howard as emotions were stirred as much as the stew. After all, Mama’s two daughters, thirtysomething Lillian (a forthright Roslyn Ruff) and 17-year-old Nelly (a vibrant Jasmine Ashanti), do not have a history of getting along. Instead, they enjoy digging into each other to uncover buried secrets and hidden shame. Combined with the rowdy presence of Lillian’s tween daughter, Lil’ Mama (an energetic Samantha Miller), it is not surprising that the actual stew does not come out so well.
With bickering the name of the day and external issues hiding in the shadows, director Tyler Thomas keeps the bevy of talented performers on their toes, pushing the narrative forward against the resistance of emotional armor. Humor bursts forth when Mama realizes that Lil’ Mama is auditioning for the part of Queen Elizabeth in a school production of “Richard III” by William Shakespeare. The emphasis on auditioning with honesty and precision for the play becomes a negative reflection of the family’s reluctance to reveal their own truths.
With tickets still available for this fine offering, “Stew” continues the winning streak of Danny Feldman at the Pasadena Playhouse. With a willingness to present a vast array of theatrical offerings, the theatre takes advantage of its place at the forefront of Southern California’s cultural scene. Indeed, the rest of the 2023-24 theatrical season overflows with exciting productions and events that should keep the winning streak going strong.
Photos by Mike Palma
