James Ijames Finds Funny Bone in Black BBQ-Wedding

by Mary Lou Herlihy

“Fat Ham,” a raucous, rapid-fire romp about a southern Black family, tackles sexual secrets and gender roles with raunchy aplomb. Shakespeare’s Hamlet becomes Juicy (endearing Devin A. Cunningham) in splashy comedic form. Fat Ham is a riot wrapped in pathos. We laughed until it hurt.

Juicy is surrounded by toxic masculinity, but he is the opposite: soft, sensitive, sensual. Reluctantly celebrating his mom’s wedding, his black tee sparkles with “Mama’s Boy.”  Juicy is rejected and bullied by his Dad and Uncle, brothers Pap and Rev (versatile Ron Chapman), both toxic males.

It takes an exceptional man, a “soft” man, like Juicy, to break the cycle of violence. In open rebellion against tragic endings, the youngsters make thrilling new choices.

The riotous family BBQ hosts a suspect wedding. Designer Nina Ball’s terrific, typical suburban backyard, prepped for a party, sports smokehouse and trampoline. Margo Hall’s top-notch direction evokes soaring comedic performances, as Prince kicks it into high gear.

While school chum Tio (passionate Jordan Covington) chills on the trampoline, they consider ways to get rid of Uncle Rev, Juicy’s ‘replacement’ Dad. Tio, the pot smoking philosopher and comedy guide, trips on the older generation’s lies, revealing their sexual secrets.

In a sparkling white suit, dead Pap taunts Juicy with ghostly authority. And murderous Uncle Rev points to stiff soldier Larry (stoic Samuel Ademola), as a real man “with medals and good posture.”  “He knows how to kill people.”

Mama Tedra (seductive Jenn Stephens) seeks survival through the two toxic men. In sexy romper and boots, Tedra shakes it for Rev, while he steals their inheritance. In a surprising, funny turn, Tedra accuses the audience of thinking she’s “trashy,” so deep are her insecurities.

Enter fabulous, pious, and preachy friend Rabby (irrepressible Phaedra Tillery-Boughton) in bright pink suit with huge matching hat. She flaunts her fan like a sword. She eagerly oppresses her kids: rigid soldier Larry and secret lesbian Opal (loveable Courtney Gabrielle Williams) uncomfortable in a silly old-fashioned dress. But the young’uns ain’t gonna take it!

Juicy’s choices are calculated and brilliant. He must CHOOSE between BBQ King Pap who raised him on “pig guts and bad choices” vs. his OWN gut. When Larry and Juicy find themselves alone, we feel the tension as they move closer. Larry asks Juicy if he can be his mirror in an intimate scene that breaks down Larry’s “hard” exterior.

ljames uses a fantasy soliloquy to stir the pot. Tio’s jaw dropping marijuana fueled epiphany about sex and lies crescendos to a startling climax, choosing pleasure over pain. Jordan Covington dances, sings, and gyrates into our hearts—endlessly inventive and hilarious!

When Juicy breaks the fourth wall, we become his supportive congregation. Our responses encourage him to step into the light. Bask in the exuberant and wild ending that glorifies the new generation with music, lights, and laughter. The FUTURE steps forth in joyful glory.

“Fat Ham” leaves us with hope for a time when “soft leaders” like Juicy empower us with humility and REAL courage.

“Fat Ham” by James Ijames, directed by Margo Hall, scenic design by Nina Ball, costumes by Lee Garber-Patel, lighting by Stephanie Johnson, sound by Ray Archie, at San Francisco Playhouse. Info: sfplayhouse.org – to April 19, 2025.

Cast: Samuel Ademola, Ron Chapman, Jordan Covington, Devin A. Cunningham, Jenn Stephens, Phaedra Tillery-Boughton, and Courtney Gabrielle Williams.

Banner photo: Juicy (Devin A. Cunningham), Larry (Samuel Ademola), and Opal (Courtney Gabrielle Williams) listen to Rabby’s (Phaedra Tillery-Boughton) revelation. Photos: Jessica Palopoli