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A Must See

Bootycandy Premieres In LA At Celebration Theatre

Much of who I am can be attributed to wisdom won through suffering by living my life at the intersection of Black girl and awkward. Based on my memories, I might as well write “Bootylicious: Memoirs of Those Too Awkward To Twerk But Still Love Beyoncé.” Swap out girl and awkward with boy and gay and this becomes the story we’re going to explore. Who needs my version of Bootylicious, when we’ve got Bootycandy!? Beyoncé may rule the world, but OBIE Award-winner Robert O’Hara is ruling the stage with his hilarious and introspective look into the realities faced as a gay Black man. After a heavily attended run at NYC’s Playwright’s Horizon last year, Bootycandy recently made its Los Angeles premiere at Celebration Theatre at the Lex. 

Bootycandy follows the life of “Sutter” through childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Built as a vignette that clips memories from church, bars, and his family home, the story is tied together by equal parts hilarity and truth. I can guarantee you won’t be bored.. and you will be sitting at the edge of your seat, scene after scene. Matter of fact, I don’t think there’s a word to describe the unpredictability of O’Hara’s work. One minute you’re laughing and the next minute you’re in awe as the plot has taken a new turn for what feels like the fifth time.

My first O’Hara show was Barbecue, which was recently at The Public Theatre. What I learned then was that deliberate undertones and themes shine through after the laughter has faded. Much like Barbecue, Bootycandy explores real issues. On top of giving insight into the double minority life of being Black and gay, it satirizes the plight of a Black playwright, it highlights church life and religion in the context of Black America, and it does so in a refreshingly, in-your-face manner. 

Come to laugh. But most importantly, come ready to leave the theater thinking. Bootycandy is directed by Ovation Award-winner Michael Matthews and Michael A. Shepperd. The cast includes Cooper Daniels, Julanne Hill, Anton PeeplesMichael A. Shepperd and Travina Springer. Previews started October 23; the show officially opened October 29th and will play through December 20th.

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