‘The Hot Wing King’ brings Black queer joy to Memphis’ Circuit Playhouse
It’s time to go to the theater! The Hot Wing King, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama of 2021, just made its regional debut at Circuit Playhouse, and it’s showing for select days through June 2nd.
Set during sweltering August in Memphis, it’s almost time to crown the new ‘Hot Wang King.’ Cordell and his boyfriend, Dwayne, embark on their journey to win the cooking competition.
Backed by his best friends, Cordell feels this is his year. But then a family emergency throws Dwayne’s nephew into the house on prep night, and suddenly Cordell’s future is in danger of going up in flames.
With a riotous lesson and laughs throughout, this play full of Black queer excellence is one you don’t want to miss.
Iconic multi-hyphenate writer Katori Hall, of hits like The Mountaintop, the jukebox musical Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, and, of course, the Starz hit P-Valley, was inspired to create this work by her gay brother’s life experiences. The authenticity of her words comes to life on stage with the phenomenal local talent behind this rendition of The Hot Wing King.
And who are these phenomenal talents? Jeramie Simmons makes his directorial debut alongside Assistant Director Courtney Oliver and a brilliantly talented cast and crew listed below.
The complete cast and crew of The Hot Wing King:
THE CAST
Cordell: Justin Allen Tate
Dwayne: Justin Raynard Hicks
Isom: CJ Thomas
Big Charles: Trey Oliver
Everett: Charles Hunter*
TJ: Marc Gill*
THE CREATIVE TEAM
Director: Jeramie Simmons
Assistant Director: Courtney Oliver*
Stage Manager: Emma White
Scenic Designer: Andrew Mannion
Lighting Designer: Megan Christoferson
Costume Designer: Waverly Strickland
Sound Designer: Josh Crawford
Properites Designer: Iza Bateman
Production Manager: Phillip Hughen
Technical Director: Mike Jurkovic
The Hot Wing King runs through June 2nd at The Circuit Playhouse.
For tickets, call the Box Office at (901) 726-4656 or visit the website www.playhouseonthesquare.org. Group ticketing prices are available.
