The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch
EntertainmentThe LatestTheater

Review: “Fat Ham” is A Cookout Filled With Suspense, Self-Acceptance, and Delicious BBQ

by Bianca Brutus April 17, 2023
by Bianca Brutus April 17, 2023 0 comments
2.3K

The Pulitzer Prize-winning play will run for 14 weeks  at the American Airlines Theatre.

Fat Ham is not actually about a hog, but there is pork involved. 

The play, written by James Ijames, sees Juicy (Marcel Spears), a queer Southern college kid and the outcast of his family setting up the wedding reception between his mother and his uncle Rev (Billy Eugene Jones). Everything is just like any ordinary party; there’s string lights, balloons, silly decorations, and barbecue set on the grill. Juicy then comes in contact with his father’s ghost (also, Billy Eugene), and everything changes. A week ago, his father was shanked in prison which Juicy then learns was orchestrated by his uncle. Juicy is now tasked with seeking vengeance for his father’s death by killing his uncle. But, will he do it? 

 There are a number of modern Shakespearean text, but what sets Fat Ham apart is its lack of gruesome details. The story puts joy at its forefront. Occurring in a backyard during a cookout with no blood and gore, but old fashion ribs and greens.  Even the dynamic of a family, though dysfunctional—coming together sparks a familiar feeling of happiness. Ijames writes a world that prioritizes Black joy even in the midst of trauma. 

Fat Ham features one of the strongest casts currently on Broadway with each performer excelling in their role. Marcel Spears is an actor to be on the lookout for this year. He currently stars on CBS’ The Neighborhood and it was delightful seeing him bring his talents to live theater.

Nikki Crawford gives a marvelous performance as  “Tedra,” Juicy’s mother. While a caring mother, she often puts the approval of other’s before her son’s. This and the sheer belief in needing someone to care for her leads Teda to falling for her now deceased husband’s brother. Crawford is both comedic in her delivery, but tends toward a woman not meant to be alone. Billy Eugene Jones balances his roles of “Rev” and “Pap” extraordinarily—the two characters never blended, a feat difficult for even the most skilled actors. Chris Herbie Holland as “Tio” is the perfect quick-witted sidekick to the lead, and the relationship between Benja Kay Thomas as “Rabby,” Calvin Leon Smith as “Larry,” and Adrianna Mitchell as “Opal” mirrors that of most families—loving, but complex.  

It goes without saying, but a great cast with such palpable chemistry can only be crafted by an even greater director and Saheem Ali truly embodies this sentiment. Nothing felt out of place. Ali is a seasoned veteran in the industry and previously worked with Ijames on his other play Kill Move Paradise in 2017. 

The production is wrapped in a number prevalent themes. For example,  Black masculinity and how that affects the dynamic between Juicy and his father and his uncle. His father instilled in him that he can never be soft—going as far as abusing him to get his point across. Once his father dies, his uncle continues this cycle of violence—an attribute generally found in most families of color.

Photo by Joan Marcus

Then, there’s generational trauma within the story. Tio mentions briefly that Pap’s father went to jail and so did his father before him. This cycle spans several generations of men in their family, and prior to the prison industrial complex—slavery. Fat Ham makes wonderful use of generational trauma in such an underlying way. There’s several lines referencing the issue and education on the topic that captivates the entirety of the play. 

However, the added brilliance of Fat Ham is that even with such dark themes the story still centers itself on celebration. You can’t help, but laugh through it. From Tedra singing 100% Pure Love by Crystal Waters (which was stuck in my head several days after I saw it) in the midst of tension between Juicy and Rev to a coming out scene that ends in bloody noses and heavy laughter from the audience. The best moment, however, comes from Tio who gives a drug induced soliloquy about erotic gingerbread men and living life freely.

Another remarkable aspect was having the characters address the audience at certain points. Breaking the fourth wall aided in the comedic angle while drawing the audience into the world as well. Juicy’s feelings become our own as he delivers his monologues center stage. We understand Tedra even more as she tells us about the reasons behind her actions. This narrative device gives an empathetic side to the audience and I enjoyed seeing it used in Fat Ham. 

Photo by Joan Marcus

As I took in the final moments of the play, I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed and on the verge of tears. Nothing truly saddening happens, but there is nothing on Broadway quite like Fat Ham, and that to me was moving. Ijames, Ali, the cast, and crew have come together for something truly beautiful, and it deserves to be seen by everyone who feels misunderstood, out of place, and like a Creep.  

Fat Ham is 95 minutes of pure bliss. 


Tickets for Fat Ham are available now! The production wraps up in early June at the American Airlines Theatre. 

broadwayFat HamReviewtheater
0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Bianca Brutus

previous post
Alex Borstein’s “Corsets & Clown Suits” Comes to The Django
next post
The 27th Annual Las Olas Wine and Food Festival

Related Posts

Kathy Hilton Unwraps Her Perfect Holiday Shopping List...

October 27, 2025

GrannyCart Giggle Hour hosts a Spooktacularly Sexy Halloween...

October 27, 2025

Inside Ligaw: The New Lower East Side Bar...

October 27, 2025

Celebrating Storytellers: The Dramatists Guild Foundation Gala

October 26, 2025

She Rocks: Women Redefining Power and Purpose in...

October 26, 2025

Andy Cohen Toasts a Decade of Radio with...

October 26, 2025

Sulfur Bottom: A Haunting Exploration of Pollution, Poverty,...

October 26, 2025

Dom Pérignon Unveils the Murakami Flower Studio in...

October 25, 2025

Brooklyn Gets a Glow-Up with Desolas Mezcal’s Reposado...

October 24, 2025

Emerald Dreams: Celebrating Wicked in New York

October 24, 2025

Digital Cover No. 19

The Knockturnal Merch

Follow Us On The Gram

theknockturnal

Lifestyle. Music. Entertainment.
Info@theknockturnal.com
New Cover Out Now ⬇️

Step inside the chaotic world of The Chair Company Step inside the chaotic world of The Chair Company, where office life meets absurd comedy. 🪑 
Stream it now on @HBO. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/la-premiere-hbos-the-chair-company/

✍️: Katherine Wright
-
#TheChairCompany #HBO #HBOOriginal #HBOShow #BingeWorthy #MustWatch #StreamingNow
@justinbieber led @skylrk to a standout win at The @justinbieber led @skylrk to a standout win at The Leag, one of LA’s most talked-about underground sports events. With celebrities, athletes, and creators filling the sidelines, the night captured the energy of competition and culture colliding under the lights. 🏀

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/justin-bieber-leads-skylrk-to-victory-at-las-underground-sports-phenomenon-the-league/

✍️: Parris Rose

-
#JustinBieber #SKYLRK #TheLeag #LosAngeles #SportsCulture #Basketball #UndergroundSports
@nmixx_official spoke with The Knockturnal about t @nmixx_official spoke with The Knockturnal about their journey as six members, a long, inspiring adventure that’s led them to a major milestone: their first-ever full-length album, Blue Valentine. 💙

The project dives deep into the complexity of human emotions, wrapped in NMIXX’s signature MIXX-pop sound. 🎶

“The story of NMIXX is still unfolding.” 

Full Article 🔗 https://theknockturnal.com/nmixx-blue-valentine/

By @EmmaSalehi 

#NMIXX #BlueValentine #NMIXXBlueValentine #MIXXPOP #NMIXXComeback #KpopInterview #TheKnockturnal #Kpop #KpopNews #KpopGirlGroup #NMIXX_BlueValentine #HAEWON #LILY #BAE #JIWOO #KYUJIN #SULLYOON #엔믹스
Want to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Want to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of @beetlejuicebway? Now you can! From now until Halloween, @tempotimessquare hosting an unforgettable Beetlejuice Suite experience where every corner is bursting with spooky charm, strange surprises, and a whole lot of Netherworld flair. 💀✨ 

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just a little strange and unusual, this is your chance to step into the world of the ghost with the most. 👻 #BeetlejuiceBroadway #TempoTimesSquare #BeetlejuiceSuite
#ParkChanWook new film might make you laugh when y #ParkChanWook new film might make you laugh when you least expect it — and flinch when you do. 👀💥

Full review out now.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/park-chan-wooks-no-other-choice-is-dark-gripping-and-bitingly-funny/

✍️: Ishan Wankavala 

-
#NoOtherChoice #KoreanCinema #Cinephile #FilmReview #NewRelease #MustWatch
📸 WOODZ (@woodz_dnwm) — the artist redefining 📸 WOODZ (@woodz_dnwm) — the artist redefining boundaries with each track, image, and evolution. Dive into our exclusive to uncover the artistry behind the name. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/woodz/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-
#Woodz #Kpop #ArtistSpotlight #Editorial
EXCLUSIVE: STAYC take the Stay Tuned tour to elect EXCLUSIVE: STAYC take the Stay Tuned tour to electrifying new heights, bringing “I WANT IT” to life with unmatched energy, confidence, and flair. Every beat, every move, every note is a reminder that STAYC don’t just perform—they command the stage. 🌈💥

From their glowing visuals to powerhouse vocals, @stayc_highup deliver a night that’s equal parts spectacle and soul.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/stayc/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-
#STAYC #StayTunedTour #IWANTIT #STAYCgirls #STAYChighup #Kpop #ConcertHighlights #ExclusiveFeature
Park Chan-wook shares how The Ax inspired his new Park Chan-wook shares how The Ax inspired his new film, exploring its unique darkness. 🌟

#ParkChanWook #NoOtherChoice #TheAx #KoreanFilm #KDrama #NYFF #NYFF26
Big sci-fi dreams ahead 🔥🤖Park Chan-wook tea Big sci-fi dreams ahead 🔥🤖Park Chan-wook teases his probable upcoming project Genocidal Organ! 

#ParkChanWook #GenocidalOrgan #NYFF #NYFF26
Dark humor and deep tragedy with @byunghun0712 in Dark humor and deep tragedy with @byunghun0712 in his latest film @nootherchoicefilm. 🖤🎬

#LeeByungHun #NoOtherChoice #KDrama #NYFF #NYFF26
Two worlds, one screen 🌏🎥 Lee Byung-hun refl Two worlds, one screen 🌏🎥 Lee Byung-hun reflects on 20 years of film, from South Korea to Hollywood! 

#LeeByungHun #Hollywood #KoreanCinema #Film #NoOtherChoice #NYFF26 #NYFF
Brighter days ahead 🌞 @cix.official share what Brighter days ahead 🌞 @cix.official share what it means to move forward together in their latest comeback. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/cix/

✍️: Emma Salehi

Photo Credits: C9 Entertainment 
-
#CIX #GOChapter1 #GOTogether #TheKnockturnal #KpopInterview #KpopNews #CIXComeback #CIX2025 #KpopFeature #CIXFans
It’s going down! @stayc_highup is in North Ameri It’s going down! @stayc_highup is in North America on their ‘Stay Tuned’ tour! 💖

Watch their energetic and fun filled show near you 👀🌟

#stayc #kpop #kpopconcert #iwantit #staycstaytuned #staytuned
Who runs the world? Girls! 🩷 We had the most a Who runs the world? Girls! 🩷

We had the most amazing day of inspiring panels, activations and networking at @femalefounderworld, with @eyebuydirect! 👓
Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joa Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joachim Trier for their sixth cinematic journey, co-writing Sentimental Value, a poignant exploration of family, memory, and reconciliation. 

-
#Screenwriting #Storytelling #WritingForFilm #FilmWriting #NYFF2025 #NewYorkFilmFestival #IndieFilm
At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to l At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to life in Sentimental Value, portraying a character whose journey through family complexities and personal discovery resonates deeply. 

-
#RenateReinsve #NYFF #SentimentalValue #NoraBorg #FilmFestival #Actress
@nobledanceroslo at @thenyff shares his vision as @nobledanceroslo at @thenyff shares his vision as a director, bringing his story to life with precision, collaboration, and attention to every frame. 

The film reflects his dedication to emotion, storytelling, and cinematic craft. 🎥

-
#JoachimTrimmer #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #Director #Filmmaking
We spoke with @ingalilleaas at @thenyff about the We spoke with @ingalilleaas at @thenyff about the emotional process behind her latest film. ✨

-
#IngaIbsdotterLilleaas #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #Cinema
Poised, perceptive, and endlessly compelling — @ Poised, perceptive, and endlessly compelling — @ellefanning in conversation at this year’s @thenyff.

-
#ElleFanning #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #RedCarpet #Cinema
✨ From powerful panels to unforgettable performa ✨ From powerful panels to unforgettable performances, the 2025 #TeenVogueSummit brought together voices shaping fashion, culture, and activism today. 💬🎶

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/2025-teen-vogue-summit-recap-full-of-fun-fashion-and-connection/

✍️: Zipporah Pruitt

-
#TeenVogue #TeenVogueSummit2025 #TeenVogueEvents
#TeenVogueCommunity #TeenVogueStyle
Follow on Instagram

About The Site

We are a collective of creative tastemakers made up of fashion, music and entertainment industry insiders. It’s all about access. You want it. We have it.

Terms Of Use

Privacy Policy

Meet The Team

CONTACT US

For general inquiries and more info on The Knockturnal, please contact our staff at:
info@theknockturnal.com
fashion@theknockturnal.com
advertising@theknockturnal.com
editorial@theknockturnal.com
beauty@theknockturnal.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© Copyright - The Knockturnal | Developed by CI Design + Media

The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch