Chalk up another great evening in the theatre thanks to Dezart Performs current production of James Ijames’ “Fat Ham.” It is at once laugh-out-loud funny and truly touching as the characters in this riff on “Hamlet” each has to choose between a life of pleasure or one where the violence and mental abuses will continue.
The setting is a backyard BBQ to celebrate the wedding of Tedra (Candace Nicholas-Lippman) to Rev (DeJuan Christopher). But not all the guests are thrilled to celebrate this union. Tedra’s son, Juicy (Devere Rogers), is gay and is still in mourning for his father who was murdered just a couple of weeks ago. Juicy has never liked Rev, even though he happens to be his father’s brother. This feeling is intensified when Juicy is visited by the ghost of his dead father, Pap (also played by DeJuan Christopher), who informs him that Rev was his murderer and he is looking for his son to seek revenge. Adding to the chaotic mix of guests are Opal (Maci Alexis) who is almost at the point of coming out to her bible-quoting mama, Rabby (Tamiyka White). Also in attendance is Rabby’s son, Larry (Michael Houston), who arrives in full dress marine uniform and is carrying a big secret of his own. Rounding out the guest list is Tio (Enrike Llamas), Juicy’s stoner friend. As to not give away any serious spoilers, let me just say that unlike the end of “Hamlet,” where almost everybody dies, “Fat Ham” ends on an upbeat note with the characters making the right choices to give themselves their best shots at happily-ever-after.
The entire cast is nothing shy of superb and really shines under Michael Shaw’s direction, seamlessly transitioning from fast-paced comedy to truly intimate and tender moments . Every zinger lands precisely as it should, eliciting huge laughs from the audience. Whether it’s Ms. Nicholas-Lippman’s Tedra making comments about the audience when Juicy breaks the ‘fourth wall,’ or Ms. White’s Rabby, acting like the woman you don’t want to sit next to in church, giving yet another Amen, they elicit a steady stream of laughter throughout the 80 minute intermissionless play. As Rev, Mr. Christopher gives us a man who is so filled with anger that it clouds everything he says and does, especially regarding his stepson, Juicy. Both Mr. Llamas’ Tio and Ms. Alexis’ Opal also greatly contribute to the laughter. Tio’s monolgue about being propositioned by a gingerbread man was hilarious and earned him well-deserved applause at its conclusion! But the bulk of the ‘heavy lifting’ is given to Juicy… and, Mr. Rogers does not allow a single moment to go to waste. Even when he is not talking, his face speaks volumes. It is truly an endearing performance, flawlessly executed.
“Fat Ham” runs through Jan. 26, 2025 at the Pearl Mcmanus Theatre in downtown Palm Springs. For tickets or further information visit their website, www.Dezartperforms.org.