Looking back on life can bring joy, discovery, sorrow and wisdom in unexpected ways.
Cleverly directed by Tasia A. Jones, Lyric Stage Boston continues Lynn Nottage’s family drama Crumbs from the Table of Joy live and in person at Lyric Stage Boston through Sunday, February 2. This partially coming of age production not limited to the stage runs two hours and 20 minutes including an intermission. Click here for more information and tickets.
Crumbs from the Table of Joy boasts a fascinating cast as each character’s motivation unravels over time and explores some hot button issues prevalent yesterday and today. Madison Margaret Clark as impressionable and determined Ernestine recalls a pivotal time in her life close to graduating high school in the 1950s having moved from the South to Brooklyn with Dominic Carter as her strict, born again and traditional recently widowed father Godfrey and her candid sister Ermina, portrayed with sharp comic wit by Catia. Clark’s engaging delivery is an endearing mix of fondness and reflection recalling life’s little joys such as sharing cookies and precious family moments within the thin walls of a small apartment. As an aspiring actor, Ernestine fantasizes about how cinema solves everything and those scenes stand out as some of the brightest parts of the production.
Cristina Todesco’s translucent and versatile, dual level scenic design framed by a gold embroidered vintage stage and ornate industrial lights transforms into various dim spaces including a living room with dated and crochet adorned tattered furniture. Eduardo Ramirez’s animated lighting design combined with Aubrey Dube’s rich sound deliver carefully timed flickers of joy to instantly transport characters right within the narration from an apartment to a movie theatre to a train station in an array of flickering of lights and distinctive sound effects. Mikayla Reid’s retro costuming ranges from sophisticated in statement ensembles and pin striped suits to handmade floral dresses and patent leather shoes.
Glamorous and smartly dressed, Thomika Marie Bridwell’s dazzling entrance as feisty, forward, flirtatious and daring Aunt Lilly creates an immediate spark in the production with a combination of spice and outspokenness in direct contrast to Dominic Carter’s conservative and stoic Godfrey. Godfrey is so reserved that at one point, Ernestine explains that her father says only white people can laugh on a Sunday. Hanging onto Father Divine’s every word with intensity yet quiet zeal, Dominic Carter delivers a solid performance as Godfrey who claims they came to Brooklyn because of Father Divine’s Peace Mission until something unexpected happens. Bridwell’s Lilly immediately alters the atmosphere with an unexplainable tension and it stands to show whether or not it is for the better. However, there is far more to this tale than meets the eye.
Bridwell’s excellent performance lies in Lilly’s bold nature and expertly building tension in Lilly’s unorthodox manner of living. Her mix of persuasive charm, laugh out loud comic timing and resolve brings to light this complex character in all of her hidden vulnerability sharing memorable scenes with the cast including Catia as Ermina and Madison Margaret Clark as Ernestine looking on with a mix of shock and admiration for their Aunt while certainly making an indelible impression. Bridgette Hayes is also impressive as mysterious Gerte who suddenly plays a significant role that will not be revealed here.
A family drama that delivers some surprising twists and turns, Crumbs from the Table of Joy is a stirring production that shows real life lessons can come from the most unexpected places.
Lynn Nottage’s family drama Crumbs from the Table of Joy continues live and in person at Lyric Stage Boston through Sunday, February 2. This partially coming of age production not limited to the stage runs two hours and 20 minutes including an intermission. Click here for more information and tickets.