Talk about mouthwatering fare.
Don’t arrive to Clyde’s hungry as Lynn Nottage’s illustrative script is not only a feast for the senses, but Clyde’s is where the sandwich is undeniably king in every sense of the word. For a group of enigmatic employees struggling to get out from under a scant Pennsylvania trucker stop, the sandwich is the key to all things great. However, with a tyrannical boss at the helm, Clyde has plenty to say over whom or what reigns supreme.
Directed intuitively by Taylor Reynolds, The Huntington, in a co-production with Berkeley Repertory Theatre, presents captivating, Pulitzer Prize-winning and Tony award-nominated dramedy Clyde’s through Sunday, April 23 live and in person at the Huntington Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts. The show is one hundred minutes with no intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.
Clyde’s is a fascinating, no holds barred yet comedic look into the hectic lives of Clyde’s employees and the mysterious reasons why they are there. Nottage’s sterling script balances the heartache of home life and arduous work when the cards are stacked with the dream of pursuing perfection.
The cast does an amazing job collaboratively building surprising comedic moments within a show rife with tension and serious themes. Harold Surratt epitomizes wise and discerning Montrellous as he poetically describes the art of the sandwich with ‘intangible grace and aromas’ and deems artichokes as ‘grace notes.’ Surratt, unconventional in multicolored and kaleidoscopic garments, portrays amiable Montrellous as the calm within a fiery storm. Surratt’s warm smile and soothing vocals can charm almost anyone into discovering the joy in life’s simplicity. Wesley Guimaraes as sous-chef Rafael share some of that optimism and grace striving to achieve the peace that Montrellous seemingly exudes. Guimaraes shares some refreshing, playful, and flirtatious scenes with Cyndii Johnson as Letitia on prep. Their remarkable chemistry is a highlight of the production. Johnson enthusiastically captures the outspoken, fast talking, and sympathetic Letitia who is both caring yet not to be trifled with while Louis Reyes McWilliams searingly portrays guarded Jason, building his own tension with every careful move.
However, the prime source of unease can be found in Clyde, a force to be reckoned with depicted glacially by April Nixon. From Montrellous’s unique ensembles to Leticia’s exuberant headscarves, costume designer Karen Perry creates incredible and vampy ensembles that exude Nixon’s egotistical, booming, and militaristic Clyde. Tiger prints, multicolored, scalloped sleeves, sparkling pumps, and astounding incandescent wigs by Megan Ellis help bring out Nixon’s spicy Clyde in and out of the kitchen. Nixon’s gusto is evident from the very first scene, channeling the kitchen’s mood under Clyde’s manicured fingertips.
Aubrey Dube’s catchy and upbeat sound design fuel this bustling and rustic kitchen designed by Wilson Chin. Plants, boom box, storage boxes, utensils, silver gleaming fridge, grill, Tupperware, and to go boxes are reminiscent of the authentic clutter out of The Bear or Kitchen Nightmares. The flashy and vibrant monument sign, fueled by lighting designer Amith Chandrashaker, work spectacularly with the show’s memorable score and its fast paced setting.
As Montrellous muses, ‘over complication obscures the truth’ so take a trip to Clyde’s for a bold and powerfully- charged dramedy where aspiration is never off the menu.
The Huntington, in a co-production with Berkeley Repertory Theatre, presents captivating, Pulitzer Prize-winning and Tony award-nominated comedy Clyde’s through Sunday, April 23 live and in person at the Huntington Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts. The show is one hundred minutes with no intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.