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InFat Hams transfer to Broadway, the cookout at the center of the show looks very far away.
This time, though, the play itself already holds its audience at a remove intentionally.
This isnt a tragedy.
In fact, it breaks open and becomes a comedy complete with a big dance sequence at the end.
Its frustrating, becauseFat Hamstarts off by carving upHamletwith glee.
Like Hamlet, hes moody and sarcastic, but he isnt particularly conflicted.
The other characters let him off the hook in dialogue anyway.
You dont got to let it define you, Tio says.
To which Juicy responds, That was way deeper than I was expecting.
Intellectually, I agree, but like a lot ofFat Ham, the exchange is more told than felt.
The characters look small next to the ideas theyre being used to express.
Fat Hamdoes carry onward with a spirit of joviality as everyone arrives at the cookout.
Ease is the point, even though it keeps being too easy.
The results are crowd-pleasing and grow monotonous.
After Tedras performance, Juicy does a rendition of Creep.
Ijames is too kind to Juicy to let him be much of a creep anyway.
Tedra, once she gets confirmation that her son is gay, supports him unquestioningly.
Juicys friend Opal (Adrianna Mitchell) Ophelia reconfigured as a hotheaded queer woman is also on his side.
I want to be soft, Larry tells Juicy.
I want to arch my back.
I want to bless someone with how soft I can be.
But like so much that is potentially fraught in the play, that tension slacks off quickly.
The same goes for Rabbys judgment toward Opal.
Even Rev is conveniently dealt with, and Juicy doesnt have to raise a finger.
The wish fulfillment comes so quickly that it makes the play dissolve.
Who are these people who can suddenly slip the bonds of the conflicts that define them?
Thats a point that Ijames doesnt want to share.
They done already made up they minds about what Im worth, she says.
What I get to feel.
What I get to do.
Why open herself up to the judgment of the crowd?
Thats a bold but pessimistic gesture.
Fat Hamis now playing at the American Airlines Theatre.
