James Ijames' Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Fat Ham, bursts onto the Goodman Theatre stage in a vibrant, deeply resonant co-production with Definition Theatre. Directed with an expert hand by Definition Theatre's Artistic Director Tyrone Phillips, this contemporary reinvention of Hamlet dazzles with humor, heart, and a profound exploration of identity, toxic masculinity, and generational burdens.
Set in a Southern backyard during a family barbecue, Fat Ham transforms Shakespeare's dark tragedy into a poignant yet hilarious meditation on living one's truth. At the center of this narrative is Juicy, played with remarkable nuance and emotional depth by Trumane Alston. Juicy's journey of self-discovery unfolds amid the ghosts—both literal and figurative—of his family's past, grappling with expectations of masculinity and the weight of inherited trauma.
Alston's performance is layered and compelling; his Juicy is introspective and tender yet brimming with an undercurrent of resilience, given time he will lean more into the character arc. His comedic timing is impeccable, delivering Ijames' sharp and incisive dialogue with a natural ease that invites the audience into his emotional world. Juicy's interactions with his spirited best friend Tio, brought to life by the dynamic Victor Musoni, provide some of the play's most humorous and thought-provoking moments. Musoni's portrayal of Tio is electric, offering a counterpoint to Juicy's introspection with boundless energy and unfiltered wisdom.
Ronald Connor impresses in the dual role of Rev and Pap, seamlessly shifting between the domineering ghost of Juicy's father and the charismatic over-sexed preacher presiding over family affairs. His presence looms large, embodying the toxic masculinity that haunts Juicy's world with an intensity that is both chilling and oddly comedic. Opposite him, Anji White as Tedra, Juicy's vivacious mother, delivers a powerhouse performance—balancing maternal warmth with an underlying desperation to escape her own past.
Ireon Roach’s Opal is a revelation, with her confidence simmering to the surface, while Sheldon Brown’s Larry, a stoic Marine grappling with his own identity, offers a poignant reflection of the play’s central themes. And no production would be complete without the powerhouse that is E. Faye Butler, whose presence on stage is nothing short of magical.
The technical elements of the production elevate the storytelling to new heights. Arnel Sancianco’s set design captures the essence of a Southern backyard with rich, lived-in detail, creating a tangible sense of place that enhances the play’s themes of home and heritage. Jos N. Banks’ costume designs are vibrant and character-driven, reflecting each individual's inner conflicts and outward personas. Jason Lynch’s lighting design cleverly shifts from naturalistic warmth to eerie supernatural hues, underscoring the play’s tonal shifts. Meanwhile, Willow James’ sound design punctuates the emotional beats with a careful blend of music and ambient sounds that ground the play’s heightened moments.
Phillips’ direction is both deft and sensitive. He embraces the play's comedic elements without undercutting its emotional weight. He crafts a production that honors Ijames’ bold vision while allowing the cast to fully explore the complexities of their characters.
Fat Ham is a triumph—an innovative, riotously funny, and ultimately moving exploration of what it means to break free from the ghosts of the past and forge an authentic future. Whether you're a Shakespeare purist or someone looking for a fresh, contemporary take on a classic story, this production offers something truly special.
With an outstanding ensemble, sharp direction, and a creative team firing on all cylinders, Fat Ham at Goodman Theatre is a must-see theatrical event that redefines what it means to inherit, to resist, and to thine own self be true.
Highly Recommended
When: Through March 2
Where: Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St.
Tickets: $25 - $85
Info: Goodmantheatre.org/Ham
