(Sunday, March 7th, 2010) Sometimes in the grand scheme of things, the complexities of the human condition parallel a mainstream view that portraits a mundane reality. But for those that dare to look deeper, you’ll find spiritual connections that underscore a truth that is sometimes hidden in plain site.  

In this context, WIG OUT! is a theatrical dramatic comedy written by Award winning playwright and actor, Tarell Alvin McCraney which explores his experiences as a gay, black man by way of two competing drag clubs set in the underbelly of New York City.

What is considered Taboo comes to life in a tale of personal power struggles, curious personalities and complex relationships that take the phrase “it’s complicated” to a whole new level.

On this night, WIG OUT! premiered as a staged play reading at the Adrienne Arsht Center (Peacock Foundation Room) in Downtown Miami.

Directed by Mr. Teddy Harrell Jr, the work moved briskly while exhibiting raw comical nuances and bizarre tone that some would find odd or perhaps intimidating. In that regard, the talented cast displayed a fantastic facility to convey the trials and tribulations of their unconventional characters—all having an affinity for wigs, I might add.

Perhaps unorthodox, WIG OUT! is not what many would consider ordinary theater. More to the fact, Mr. McCraney--who is a homegrown South Florida artist from Liberty City--succeeds in composing a dialog that percolates with uncanny and distinct authenticity. Thus, WIG OUT! manages to capture a certain curiosity that is capable of stirring emotion from its audience.

The cast of WIG OUT! featured:  Kevin Johnson (Wig Master/Narrator); Lela Elam (Wilson/Ms. Nina); Marcell Black (Eric); Yaya Browne (Faith); Nathalia Lemos (Fay); Alexia Maxwell (Fate); Giordan Diaz (Lucian); Joseph Long (Rey-Rey); Kristoff Skalet (Venus); Eric Bendross (Deity); Leondra Mitchell (Serena); and Andy Herrmann (Loki).

While this presentation was by nature a play reading, all of the actors were well prepared conveying a genuine portrayal of their respected characters. Sometimes emotionally charged with sprinkles of simple comedic mischief, characters collided as they slowly unveiled a different world where passions run high and low; where the unpredictable circumvents reality in the blink of an eye.

WIG OUT! is presented by the African American Performance Arts Community Theater. Founded by accomplished Actor and Director Mr. Teddy Harrell, Jr. in 1998, AAPACT has become one of the foremost performing arts organizations in the area—presenting many theatrical works to audiences in Liberty City and Miami-Dade County, Florida, as well as serving a vital role by providing opportunity and nurturing young up-n-coming talented performing artists in the area.

Audiences will no doubt find WIG OUT! amusing, intellectually witty and emotionally captivating. And it may be appropriate for the audience to attend the show wearing a fancy wig. Kudos to Mr. McCraney for writing a great play. And congratulations to Director Teddy Harrell Jr and his fine cast of actors.