“Chicken & Biscuits”: Enjoy a Serving of Love & Laughter at South Camden Theatre Company!

by Stephen Kreal

On Friday, May 8^th, I attended the opening night performance of Chicken & Biscuits at South Camden Theater Company. Chicken & Biscuits is written by Douglas Lyons. The play is directed by Damien J. Wallace, with Gabriella Velasquez credited as Assistant Director. This production is stage-managed by August Fen DeLuca. Assisting with stage management are Dione Taylor (ASM), and Samantha Coyle (stage hand). Credit for Props Management is given to Pam Staley. SCTC has changed their usual curtain time from 8:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for this season.

The play originally debuted on February 28, 2020, at the Queens Theatre, but the run was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Chicken & Biscuits premiered on Broadway at the Circle in the Square Theatre on October 10, 2021. The play is heavily based on the life experiences of the playwright.

The action of the play takes place in New Haven Connecticut, modern-day. This play is more of a portrait than a narrative. The family has convened for the funeral of their much-loved father/father in-law/grandfather. The themes, among others, are family secrets, homophobia, grief, and healing, as the extended family returns to St. Luke’s Church to inter Bernard Jenkins, their revered patriarch.

Upon entering the theater, the funerary sounds of organ music can be heard playing softly. The set is beautifully designed, built, and lit. Scenic designer Robert Bingaman’s attention to balance, color, and functionality are on full display. The rotating set is initially set up to be outside of the church, with an absolutely beautiful “stained glass” window, which was originally a painting by talented local artist Lily Doyle. The painting/“window” shows a tree whose branches, as they descend, become double helixes and, as they go underground, become DNA. This is a powerful metaphor for the themes of the play, which are all family oriented. The stage was quickly rotated multiple times for efficient scene changes. Assisting Bob Bingaman were scenic assistants Deborah Sperry, Jean Harden, Steve Segal, Jordan Feld, Carlos Quintero, and Joe Wilmes.

The Lighting (credited to Hunter A. Mountz) and Sound Design (credited to Jarious L. Parker, Sr.) combined effectively throughout. During the funeral scene, there was a microphone mounted on a podium. At times, the lines spoken into that mic dropped off a bit.

From the promotional material: Can sisters Baneatta and Beverly bury their father without killing each other? In this celebration of family, stressors abound as Beverly shows up to the chapel with her “blessings” on display, Baneatta’s son brings his neurotic Jewish boyfriend, and Beverly’s nosy daughter keeps asking questions no one wants to answer. Meanwhile, Baneatta’s husband, Reginald, tries to keep the peace, but when a shocking family secret reveals itself at the pulpit, the two sisters are faced with a truth that could either heal or break them.

The play opens with a lighthearted moment between spouses Reginald Mabry and his wife Baneatta, who are finishing getting dressed and ready for the funeral. TC Storm Caldwell plays Reginald Mabry. Caldwell comes to this production with an impressive resume. Caldwell’s vast experience is on full display as his character is fully developed and thoroughly entertaining. This opening scene set the tone, as the couple was very natural in their spousal relationship, including light-hearted banter, flirtatiousness, and good-natured ribbing, all in one scene! 

Baneatta Mabry is played by Danielle Shaw. Baneatta is somewhat strict and unyielding in her views and attitudes. She is adamant about getting to the service on time and (at first) seems quite humorless. The most notable aspect of this character is her staunch opposition to her son Kenny’s identity. She consistently calls Kenny’s partner the wrong name each time, in passive-aggressive hostility. Her character develops and softens over the course of the play. 

Lynn Shirley plays Simone, Reginald and Baneatta’s daughter/ Kenny’s sister. This character is headstrong on the outside, but riddled with self-doubt after a failed relationship. There is a powerful scene in Act 2 with her brother Kenny that I believe will strike a chord with anyone who has a sibling. At her turn to speak at the funeral, Shirley delivers a beautiful tribute to her grandfather that is so moving, I truly suspended theatrical disbelief, and felt that I was seeing a grieving granddaughter. I cried a few tears at one particular moment. This scene was a highlight of the evening!

Janan Ashton plays Beverly Jenkins, Baneatta’s younger sister. I saw Ashton light up the stage last fall in “Dot” (also at SCTC). Ashton is a perfect cast for the brash, overly self-confident, single mom/younger sister. The differences in the personalities of the two sisters provide much comedy and some dramatic moments. The dynamic between the two sisters is fascinating. Beverly is a bit of a diva, who craves attention. She is rather short-tempered with her teenage daughter, La’Trice. 

Beverly’s “nearly 16-year-old” daughter, La’Trice is brilliantly portrayed by Christiana Thompson. Thompson plays a sassy teenager with gusto and confidence. Costuming (credited to Lousie Garreau) greatly enhanced this character. Thompson really nailed the nuances of teenagers (disaffected demeanor, face constantly in cell phone, and a bit whiny and bratty). Thompson’s Act 2 scene where she talks to Logan is theatrical gold! 

David Bazemore plays Kenny Marbry. Kenny is Reginald and Baneatta’s son (and Simone’s brother). He is devastated by his grandfather’s death. His part of the eulogy scene is touching. I had the pleasure of seeing Bazemore in “The Brother’s Size” (also at SCTC during Season 16 in 2021). Kenny’s dilemma is trying to keep the peace with his mother and his partner, Logan. As mentioned, Baneatta is not accepting of Kenny’s identity. This difficulty is compounded by Logan’s discomfort and unease about Baneatta’s attitude toward him and their relationship. Bazemore’s portrayal is realistic and his scenes where he and Logan discuss the issue are filled with humor and sadness. 

Scott Berkowitz plays Logan Liebowitz, Kenny’s boyfriend of four years. Berkowitz does a tremendous job at portraying his character’s unease about being around Kenny’s family. Two family members disapprove of the lifestyle, rather, the identity of Logan and Kenny. His facial expressions give so much to the audience without dialogue. I have seen Berkowitz in previous productions. Berkowitz is a talented actor with range. I saw him just weeks ago in “Witch” at Players Club of Swarthmore, where he played Frank Thorney. Seeing Berkowtiz go from playing Thorney, to a neurotic, earnest and lovable character is a testament to his talent. Berkowitz turns in a powerful performance which is, at times, hysterically funny, and at times poignant and sad. The telephone call he has with his mom is powerful. His brief comments at the funeral are very funny!

One of the themes of the play is family secrets. At the very end of Act 1, we are introduced to a mysterious guest at the funeral. The character of Brianna Jenkins (played by Shanice Brooks), appears at the funeral seeking answers. Due to my aversion to spoilers, I will only say that Brooks portrays a woman seeking answers and reconciliation. This character is an interesting balance between the two sisters (Beverly and Baneata). Brooks did a great job of portraying an outsider to the family seeking answers.

From the playwright Douglas Lyons, in an interview from “Get Out” magazine: “It’s a comedy centering around a black family burying the patriarch of their family, and their two sisters, Baneatta and Beverly, don’t necessarily get along and all the extended family parts come together in a very messy but beautiful kaleidoscope of what it is to heal and to laugh and to reunite and to push forward.”

This play is relatable to anyone with siblings, anyone who has lost a beloved grandparent, or anyone who has experienced sibling rivalry. So, basically, it is relatable to anyone. This production featured excellent acting, a wide range of emotions and a beautiful set. With a talented cast, under the direction of the experienced and talented Damien J. Wallace, Chicken & Biscuits portrays a wide range of emotions. You will laugh, you will get choked up, and I assure you, you will be thoroughly entertained!

Chicken & Biscuits runs through Sunday, May 24^th. Tickets can be purchased here: https://southcamdentheatrecompanyinc.thundertix.com/events/257479