Review: The Hot Wing King

ST PETERSBURG — It's Memphis, Tennessee, and the annual Hot Wing Festival has arrived. Cordell and his "New Wing Order" culinary crew are looking to bring home the $5,000 grand prize, but the competition will be fierce.

Playwright Katori Hall earned a Pulitzer Prize for The Hot Wing King in 2021, and American Stage's exceptional production of the play leaves no doubt as to why. Hall deftly blends comedy and drama in this deeply engaging and highly entertaining work that explores themes of being gay in Black America, what masculinity truly means, and the power of chosen family.

Matthenee Treco brings gripping intensity to Cordell, the head wing chef who has recently come out and is estranged from his ex-wife and children. He's moved from St. Louis to Memphis to live with Dwayne, who is struggling with guilt over his sister's recent death. Jos N. Banks gives a strong performance as Dwayne, while Elijah Jordan shines as his grief-stricken nephew, EJ.

Randy Chalmers is downright hysterical as Isom, a role in which Hall perfectly employs comedic relief, skillfully easing the tension of heavy scenes with bursts of humor that do not take away from the overarching message in the least. Don Randle is terrific as Isom's comedic foil, Big Charles.

Photo by Chaz D. Photography

Lance Felton gives a memorable turn as EJ's wayward father, TJ, who has reservations about the influence of the young man's uncle and his friends, despite his own long list of shortcomings.

Steven Mitchell has designed a beautiful two-story set that is among the more ambitious I can recall at American Stage, while Wyndell Carmichael's costumes are the chef's kiss of the production.

The Hot Wing King is exactly the kind of bold, boundary-pushing play that makes me excited to enjoy a night of theater, one with the potential to draw new audiences and younger generations of theatergoers into what can sometimes feel like a stale art form when such chances aren't taken. Directed by Kenny Moten, it runs through June 28. Visit the American Stage website for schedule and ticket information.

Mitch Maley is the editor of the Bradenton Times. In addition to his weekly political column, he does occasional features on local theater, food & wine, travel, and music. Click here for his bio. Mitch's latest novel, Fish Kill, was recently released and is available here.