Cordell, a chicken wing aficionado, and Dwayne are trying to make their romantic relationship work as family drama and personal histories surface on the same weekend as the big “Hot Wang Festival.” The result is a dynamic story about the love between men as friends, family, and partners.
All the action in Katori Hall’s Hot Wing King happens around the beautiful and fully-functional kitchen (stocked with real chicken wings!). Under Steve Broadnax’s direction, the cast moves through the play with flair. From musical interludes and group choreography to the smell of “Cajun Alfredo Wings with Bourbon Infused Bacon”, we get it all. The cast puts on a stellar performance, mixing us up in the good and the bad of their wing weekend. Toussaint Jeanlouis brings a subtle sadness that adds depth to the Cordell’s story. Korey Jackson’s Dwayne is grounded and consistent even as he struggles to hold it all together. Sheldon Best and Nicco Annan play well off of each other as Isom and Big Charles, respectively. Best adds lasting comic relief throughout the show while Annan delivers gems with sage understanding. Eric B. Robinson Jr brings the rough and tumble while TJ. Cecil Blutcher gives us an excellent delivery of Everett’s trauma and, ultimately, black boy joy.
Love is a central theme in this story and Cordell’s love for Dwayne is pivotal. It is the strength that keeps them going when life throws curve balls. The love Big Charles and Isom have for Cordell is protective and characters are a reminder that we all need folks to tell us about ourselves. Dwayne’s love for EJ and commitment to his growth as a young Black man shows the importance of raising kids with softness as well as sternness. Finally, TJ’s love for EJ encourages us to consider that parental love can look many different ways.
“All Black boys deserve love.” This is one of the most powerful lines in Hot Wing King and the perfect way to summarize this play. It demonstrates unapologetic Black love in so many beautiful ways.
Hot Wing King is playing at Signature Theater until March 22.
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