Produced by singer-songwriter Alicia Keys, Stick Fly is a compelling African-American family drama set in 2005 at the tony Martha's Vineyard home of the LeVay family. The cast includes Tracie Thoms (Rent, "Cold Case"), Dule Hill ("Pysch," "The West Wing"), Mekhi Phifer (Soul Food, "ER"), newcomer Condola Rashad (daughter of actress Phylicia Rashad) and veteran theater actor Ruben Santiago-Hudson (Jelly's Last Jam, Gem of the Ocean, Seven Guitars).
Thoms' performance anchors the play, which raises issues relating to self-identity, race, class and family. She plays Taylor, an opinionated-yet-likable intellectual oddball engaged to Hill's character, Kent LeVay (aka "Spoon"). The opening scene establishes that Taylor is meeting Kent's upper middle class family for the first time, and the Vineyard visit soon stirs up her unresolved Daddy issues. Kent is the sensitive, struggling writer younger brother to Phifer's playboy plastic surgeon Harold (aka "Flip"). And Santiago-Hudson portrays aloof family patriarch Joe LeVay, whose dysfunctional relationship with his sons and absent wife takes center stage as the melodrama unfolds.
Conflict also ensues when Flip's waspy white girlfriend Kimber (portrayed convincingly by Rosie Benton) -- whom he humorously insists is "Italian" prior to her arrival-- checks into the sprawling beach-side home. Taylor and Kimber clash over what can be best summed up as "sh** white girls say" to piss off black girls. And thanks to Taylor, brothers Kent and Harold find out they have more in common than they thought. Sub-plot drama is sparked when the impressive Rashad's character Cheryl -- the housekeeper's daughter -- discovers a devastating family secret.
Overall, the play is provocative and entertaining with strong performances throughout. Primarily a TV-and-film heart throb, Phifer is surprisingly comfortable on stage and he lends a blunt charm to the caddish Flip. The restrained resentment Santiago-Hudson brings to his portrayal of Mr. LeVay is another highlight. The most underdeveloped character, however, is Hill's Spoon. While Spoon is a loving partner-yet-personality opposite to Taylor, Hill's understated portrayal seems to merely scratch the surface of what's bubbling beneath this young man's insecurities.
Stick Fly is directed by Kenny Leon with an original score by Keys. The play is currently on Broadway at the Cort Theater (138 West 48th Street). Go to Telecharge for available show times and ticket information.
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