Black Rep’s “Chicken and Biscuits” serves up love, laughter and family feuds

Should you order “Chicken and Biscuits,” the current offering from the Black Rep? The answer is yes if you read the program notes from director Ron Himes. He writes, “We have to find time to share love, joy and laughter because it helps us celebrate life, as family and as community. I hope ‘Chicken and Biscuits’ brings you some moments of respite as we move into this new year.”

The play is not a deep theatrical experience, but then it’s not intended to be. It’s a broad family comedy set during a funeral/family reunion that explores how a dysfunctional family, filled with secrets, prejudice and sibling rivalry rediscovers how to live, laugh and love again.

The play is at its best when Jacob Schmidt as Logan Leibowitz and Cameron Jamarr as Kenny Mabry are interacting. They play a loving interracial and interfaith couple navigating the complexities of being accepted within Kenny’s traditional family. Schmidt and Davis are perfectly paired, and their interactions are energetic, fun and authentic – delightfully filled with chemistry.

By comparison, Davis’ key scene, a reconciliation with Kenny’s older sister, Simone, played by Alex Jan, is flat and unearned. This has more to do with the script by Douglas Lyons than the acting. It’s a pity this scene is rushed and lacks emotional depth. Simone’s shift from judgment to acceptance of Kenny’s sexuality (and white boyfriend) happens too quickly, without enough buildup to make her change feel earned.

Similarly, Kenny’s frustrations and feelings of exclusion and being judged are expressed but not deeply explored, leaving their conflict and resolution feeling superficial. The scene also struggles to balance the play’s comedic tone with the weight of the moment, undermining its emotional impact. While it advances the story, it misses the chance to deliver a more meaningful connection between the characters.

Another delightful pairing is Denise Thimes as Baneatta Mabry, the dignified, strong-willed matriarch, and A.C. Smith as Reginald Mabry, her devoted and easygoing husband and pastor. Both are St. Louis treasures, and it is a delight to watch them create rich, nuanced characters from a thin script. Their chemistry makes one wish they had more scenes.

Delisa Richardson plays the surprise guest, the agent provocateur Brianna Jenkins. Richardson delivers a bravura performance as her character challenges the family to confront unresolved tensions and secrets. While offering both humor and heartfelt moments, Richardson’s performance adds depth and gravitas to her scenes.

This comedic play’s comic relief is delivered by Paulette Dawn as Beverly Jenkins, an over-the-top, larger-than-life character who demands constant attention with her dramatic flair, bold personality and…well, zaftig endowments. Davis’ antics, tight dress and exaggerated behavior provide a comedic energy that adds absurdity to the family’s already chaotic dynamics.

Some performances include an onstage gospel choir to provide the musical interludes, but the Black Rep’s uses recorded music and sound design by Kareem Deans to good effect and to keep scene changes fun. Tim Jones’ scenic design is understated and rather plain. The production would have benefited from a tighter framing or a smaller stage, as some of the action and the backdrops often felt lost on the Edison Theatre’s ample stage.

If what you need right now is a well-intentioned, slightly irreverent and consistently funny respite, then Himes and company’s “Chicken and Biscuits” is certainly serving up a tasty celebration of life, love and forgiveness. Despite its shortcomings, it’s still a fun experience, and the acting of the key players carries forth the play’s upbeat, everything-tied-up-with-a-bow intention.

“Chicken and Biscuits” runs through January 26 at the Edison Theatre at Washington University. Visit the website for more information.