Lydia R. Diamond’s Stick Flytakes a fascinating look at a wealthy black family in Martha’s Vineyard as they function and dysfunction. Father: a neurosurgeon (Ruben Santiago-Hudson), chilly, autocratic; two brothers: Flip, a plastic surgeon whose nickname fits him (Mekhi Phifer) and Dulé Hill as Spoon, a writer whose first book is being published. Each brother has a fiancé whom he brings home: for Spoon it’s the bright dynamo Tracie Thoms, whose energetic insights drive the play, and a smart WASP, Rosie Benton, for Flip. Interwoven is the magnetic Condola Rashad as the daughter of their longtime maid.
Sparks fly as inter-relationships are revealed, secrets are doled out throughout the play, and, as directed by Kenny Leon, we remain engaged as the conflicts grow and the terrific ensemble cast fills the stage with energy and depth of character.
The unusual multi-level set by David Gallo gives us indoor rooms and outdoors areas, distinguished by Beverly Emmons’ clear lighting design.
Stick Fly will stick with ya, and provoke lots of interchange of ideas, views, understandings, among audience members afterwards. Good theater.
