Colman Domingo’s Gil – his hero in “Wild with Happy” (a play he wrote and stars in) – wants to do the right thing. His dynamic mom dies and he has to tie up the loose ends on limited funds and a heavy, guilty heart.
He opts for cremation as the best route under the financial circumstances, much to the dismay of his wild, rousing Aunt Glo (a super energizing Sherry Washington), who maintains that it’s not the right way to handle her sister’s funeral – “cause our people just don’t do that.” She maintains cremation is not the way to go, while helping herself to the belongings available at the departed’s home. She also plays her sister Adelaide and her transitions from one role to the other are remarkable.
Director Danny Scheie attacks the delicate subject with humor to make some parts heart wrenching, yet funny. They manage to laugh at the foibles of funerals and death while riding cross country with an urn full of ashes to her final sprinkling place: The Cinderella suite at Disneyworld, Miami. As they say, getting there is half the fun and the players in this program give it all they’ve got.
The sets by Erik Flatmo, the delicate timing of sound designer Brendan Aanes and lighting designer David Lee Cuthbert are a great combination.
Domingo appeared in the award winning “Scottsboro Boys” on Broadway, “Passing Strange,” was Billy Flynn in “Chicago” and also appeared in a number of movies, including Steven Spielberg’s mesmerizing “Lincoln.”
Domingo is an actor to be enjoyed in “Wild With Happy.” A taste of his talent will make you want more.
Camille Bounds is the arts and entertainment editor for the Western Division of Sunrise publications.
