What's FAMILIAR In Steppenwolf's Latest?
The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, review Steppenwolf Theatre’s production of FAMILIAR.
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“Sibling rivalries and culture clash nearly spin out of control. I would say it sounds like a sitcom set-up, and that’s exactly what the bulk of act one is. And the tone changes radically in act two, when a secret from the old country is revealed.” - Jonathan Abarbanel describing the differences between acts one and two in Steppenwolf’s FAMILIAR.
Cedric Young (Donald Chinyaramwira), ensemble member Celeste M. Cooper (Nyasha), ensemble member Ora Jones (Marvelous Chinyaramwira), Lanise Antoine Shelley (Tendikayi) and Jacqueline Williams (Margaret Munyewa) . Photo Credit: Michael Brosilow
Written by Danai Gurira and directed by Danya Taymor, FAMILIAR is set in Minnesota, where a Zimbabwean-American family is preparing for the wedding of their eldest daughter. When an unexpected guest arrives and the bride surprises the family by insisting on a traditional African ceremony, pre-wedding stress explodes into a family feud.
Cheryl Lynn Bruce (Anne), Jacqueline Williams (Margaret Munyewa) and Luigi Sottile (Brad). Photo Credit: Michael Brosilow
The Dueling Critics both applaud the performances by Celeste M. Cooper, Ora Jones and Cheryl Lynn Bruce
Cheryl Lynn Bruce (Anne), Cedric Young (Donald Chinyaramwira) and ensemble members Celeste M. Cooper (Nyasha) and Ora Jones (Marvelous Chinyaramwira). Photo Credit: Michael Brosilow
