Dobama Theatre’s production of ‘Stew’ is a sumptuous feast for the mind

For many, cooking is not just a daily chore but a vocation. It is challenging to come up with a different family favorite recipe on a daily basis, procure the finest of ingredients, add just the right amount of various seasonings and simmer slowly to perfection. There is also the tradition where beloved family recipes are lovingly handed down from mother to daughter and in some cases son. The same can be said about great theater.

With theater, each character is a different ingredient that brings a certain flavor to the mix. From time to time the blending is perfect as story, set, sound, lighting and actors combine to make something greater than the sum of its parts. So it is with the Dobama Theatre production of Zora Howard’s “Stew” now on stage through February 19, 2023.

Four Black females, with three of the youngsters having been recruited against their wishes, have gathered for the annual tradition of cooking the stew for a local church gathering. Mama (Christina Johnson) is the undisputed matriarchal and dictatorial head of the clan but lately has been experiencing “spells.” Her eldest daughter, Lillian (Nicole Sumlin) has been experiencing marital difficulties and is staying over at Mama’s house with her own daughter, Lil’ Mama (Logan Dior Williams) and son, Junior (who never makes an appearance). Rounding out the group is Mama’s youngest daughter, Nelly (Adrionna Powell) who is all of seventeen years old and already “dating.”

Each character is a reflection of each other at different ages. Mama, Lillian and now Nelly have all been pregnant at 17 years old. All four love to perform in local productions (Lil’ Mama is auditioning at her school for the part of Elizabeth in Shakespeare’s Richard III). Mama and Lillian have both experienced marital difficulties. The house (located in Mt. Vernon, New York) is in a neighborhood where the sound of a tire blowing out or a gun shot are synonymous, yet life goes on inside the kitchen as if nothing untoward has happened outside. Through it all, Lil’ Mama sees her own life mapped out in front of her.

In a clean but very used kitchen, family love conquers all problems no matter how big or small in spite of the constant bickering and stepping on each other’s last nerve. The banter is rich and full of life as each character tries to become the secret Alpha female of the group. All four actors give tremendous readings of very intricate parts often stepping deliberately on each other’s lines to do a kind of one-upmanship on each other. The timing is impeccable with some truly funny lines sprinkled throughout. This sets us up for the shock ending that leaves the audience with more questions than answers.

Each of the actors are superb. You can really feel the love that they have for each other and the script itself. The production is superbly directed by Nina Domingue. Laura Carlson-Tarantowski has put together and awesome set (I had kitchen envy). The lighting by Josee Coyle is bright and airy and the sound design by Megan Culley (complete with outside noises and subtle cooking sounds) really enhances the work.

One would be tempted to call this play “The Four Ages Of Mama” as the mirrored characteristics of the four family members blend and revolve around each other. It is a work of love that will have you rooting for each member and the family as a collective. Just like a superb stew, this show will leave you satisfied and wanting more. Welcome home.

The Dobama Theatre production of “Stew” will be on stage at 2340 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, Ohio through February 19, 2023. For more information and tickets go to https://www.dobama.org/or call (216) 932-3396.