I recently went on a ‘Day Date’ with my hubby to catch a matinee of a production at Theatre Raleigh called BARBECUE. We had heard about the show from a newsletter that I received via email from The Triangle Friends of African American Arts , an organization that strives to expand awareness, understanding and support of African American arts and artists. I follow them as well as Theatre Raleigh to stay in the know about upcoming performances!
About BARBECUE
The grill is hot, the beer is chilled, and the table is set for a typical O’Mallery family barbecue. Barbecue centers on around the O’Mallerys, a dysfunctional group of siblings who come together for a barbecue in the park to stage an emergency intervention for their sister Barbara, whose drug habit has gotten out of hand. There are in fact two O’Mallery families, one white and one black. Each appear in different, yet similar scenes that juxtapose to create a dialogue about racial and family politics. Their ham-handed intervention ignites the fuse of this raucous and rollicking new comedy that skewers our warped view of the American family.
From Obie and Helen Hayes Award winner Robert O’Hara, this Barbecue serves up a healthy helping of sibling love and loathing.
Strong language and subject matter. Appropriate for 16+
Barbecue’s cast and crew include director Aurelia Belfield and actors Gerald Campbell, Lakeisha Coffey, Hazel Edmond, Ali Evarts, David Henderson, Kyma Lassiter, Jenny Latimer, Kelly Mizell, Julie Oliver and Eden Sharp.
Review
In a post show survey, I gave this show, ticketing & the lobby/bar experience ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars!
We received an email prior to the show advising what to expect and also our tickets were sent electronically making it simple to just have scanned at the door upon arrival. We both enjoyed the LIVE pre-show music in the lobby courtesy of Colin Yates while sipping on their signature cocktail ‘The O’Mallery Intervention’ . Every good barbecue has drinks and snacks, so it was good to know that the theater had concessions for its patrons to enjoy in a spacious, beautiful lobby area. Patrons also were able to view and purchase paintings by Burlington, N.C.-painter Derrick Holloway, which will be displayed in the theatre’s lobby throughout the run of the show. There’s plenty of FREE Parking at Theatre Raleigh also so that deserves a bonus ⭐️!
Barbecue serves up the heat – with hot tempers, hot topics, and a family that’s a hot mess! While Barbeque was quite humorous and entertaining, the overall message I was left with was that familial dysfunction has no race or class. The play simply laid out that fact in the rawest way possible in using addiction as that vehicle.
Family Info-Share The Show
Theatre Raleigh is excited to provide “Share the Show”, an on site, show-themed theatre entertainment program for children of patrons.
This program is presented by Seed Art Share, a nonprofit based in the Triangle area with a mission to create community through interactive site-specific theatre performances, arts education, and parent-artist support programs Not only do their teaching artists provide an entertaining and safe environment for kids, but their staff of experienced arts integration professionals create show-specific, thematic activities that give children and parents a shared experience of the themes in the play.
The program for Barbecue will be available during our matinee performance on October 28th. Reservations are now open and only $25 per child!
For more information on this offering, to reserve your spot, and to learn more about Seed Art Share, please visit theatreraleigh.com/share-the-show
Theatre & Tickets Info
Theatre Raleigh is a professional, non-profit theater company based in Raleigh, N.C. dedicated to inclusion and diversity, enriching our community through innovative and intimate theatrical experiences. *Tax deductible donations are accepted to help bring magic to the stage! Donate >>>>here.
From Oct. 18-29, “Barbecue” performances will be 8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Support the arts and purchase tickets at: theatreraleigh.secure.force.com/ticket/#/
Theatre Raleigh Arts Center
(919) 832-9997
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