WHAT A PIECE OF WORK IS FAT HAM
Dezart Performs solidifies its reputation as one of the premier theater companies in The Valley—and possibly all of Southern California—with its current production of Fat Ham, running through January 26. Given the lack of diversity on Coachella Valley stages, it’s invigorating to see a play featuring a full cast of Black actors.
James Ijames’s bold reimagining of Hamlet transforms Shakespeare’s tragedy into a darkly comedic exploration of queerness, family, and generational trauma. Set at a Southern backyard barbecue, this contemporary adaptation breathes new life into timeless themes of revenge and identity. With Artistic Director Michael Shaw at the helm, the production leans into the absurdity of the premise while ensuring the emotional core remains deeply resonant. This is a vivid testament to the power of reinterpreting classics through contemporary lenses.
Candace Nicholas-Lippman, Tamiyka White, Devere Rogers, Michael Houston, Maci Alexis
The ensemble cast is uniformly outstanding, with each actor commanding the spotlight at least once. Devere Rogers shines as Juicy–the heart of the play–an openly queer protagonist grappling with societal and familial pressures. Rogets captures Juicy’s vulnerability, wit, and internal conflict with striking authenticity. His comedic timing is flawless, and his introspective moments are deeply affecting as well as spellbinding.
Juicy’s fiercely independent mother, Tedra, exudes a chaotic energy that borders on hilarious and tragic. Candace Nicholas-Lippman imbues her character with sharp comedic instincts while revealing an undercurrent of desperation in her pursuit of a new life. The dynamic between Tedra and Juicy provides some of the play’s most poignant moments, highlighting the complexities of their strained relationship.
DeJuan Christopher, Candace Nicholas-Lippman, Devere Rogers
Doubling as Rev and Pap, the dynamic DeJuan Christopher exhibits impressive versatility. As Rev, the sanctimonious preacher, he leans into exaggerated humor and hypocrisy, creating a distinct character that’s both hilarious and absurd. In stark contrast, Juicy’s domineering ghost-father Pap–Rev’s brother–is significantly more intense, embodying toxic masculinity with a haunting presence.
The magnetic Enrike Llamas is Tito, a jovial yet insightful family member. Anchoring the play’s comedic and emotional beats., his delivery of the “gingerbread man” monologue—a whimsical yet profound meditation on identity and freedom—is a highlight. Exuding charisma and emotional depth, Llamas–who recently completed his BFA–has a long and storied career ahead of him.
The Cast
Michael Houston’s layered performance as Larry, Juicy’s repressed cousin, is equally compelling. Houston deftly captures Larry’s inner turmoil as he grapples with his sexuality and familial expectations, delivering a portrayal that is both nuanced and deeply moving. On the surface, Larry is a dutiful soldier and a model of stoic resolve, but as the play unfolds, the cracks in his armor begin to show. Houston captures this unraveling with sensitivity, profoundly portraying Larry’s struggle with his own sexuality and familial expectations.
Maci Alexis brings electric energy to Opal, Larry’s defiant, queer sister–a firecracker of a character. Her irreverent humor and rebellious spirit make her a scene-stealer, while the frustration with her family’s rigid expectations adds emotional heft. The camaraderie between Opal and Juicy is genuine and affirming, offering moments of joy and solidarity amid the play’s heavier themes.
Michael Houston, Devere Rogers
Larry and Opal’s mother, Rabby, is the family’s meddling preacher figure, an over-the-top delight by Tamiyka White, who leans into the character’s exaggerated piety with gusto. Her performance provides some of the play’s funniest moments, as Rabby’s sanctimonious demeanor is undercut by human flaws. White ensures that Rabby’s hypocrisy is played for laughs, but she also brings enough sincerity to make the character feel grounded and believable.
The backyard barbecue setting creates a striking juxtaposition between the ordinary and the epic, making Shakespeare’s themes accessible without losing their gravitas. Rick Bluhm’s detailed set design enhances the immersive experience, while the pacing and transitions between comedy and drama are purposeful and fluid.
Fat Ham is a daring reinterpretation that pays homage to its Shakespearean roots while carving out its own identity. With exceptional performances, sharp direction, and a thought-provoking script, it celebrates self-discovery and defying societal expectations. This is theater at its best: challenging, entertaining, and deeply moving.
photos by David A. Lee
Fat Ham
Dezarts Performs
Pearl McManus Theater
Palm Springs Woman’s Club, 314 S Cahuilla Road in Palm Springs
90 minutes without intermission
Fri at 7; Sat and Sun at 2 and 7
ends on January 26, 2025
for tickets ($57-$66, incl. fees), call 760.322.0179 or visit Dezart Performs
