REVIEW: Who All Over There?

Torie Wiggin's is the hardest working woman in Cincinnati theatre.

Torie Wiggins is an actress. A professor. An acting coach. A director. An intimacy coordinator. She’s also a wife and sorority sister and friend. And now she can add playwright to the list with the debut of “Who All Over There?” This brand new play opened at Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati last night to a full house and fully engaged audience.

Billed as an updated take on “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” Wiggins gives us a love story that boldly explores the difficulties multi-racial couples face. It’s insightful and informative, as well as hilarious and sweet. As a fellow playwright, I marvel at her storytelling ability and how she weaves complex discussions into the action without ever feeling preachy or condescending.

Of course, it’s not just the playwright who makes the play. Director Stori Ayers keeps the action moving through the two-hour narrative, with seamless transitions and projections that inform us of the passing of time. She handles the surprises well and conveys the mix of comedy and drama with precision.

Then there’s the cast. Maliyah Gramata-Jones is “Danya,” one of our love birds who meets and falls in love with “Dean” (Spencer Lackey.). Gramata-Jones is understated and controlled in her performance, never overplaying the emotion but keeping herself - and the show - grounded in reality. Lackey is one of the most underrated and underutilized graduates of the CCM Acting program. His versatility is possible because he is one of the most authentic and honest actors I’ve ever seen.

Equally authentic is Jay Wade, who crackles on stage with his charisma. Kenneth Early, a gem in the local scene, is believable as the black father who’s protective and wants the best for his daughter. Keisha Kemper plays his wife and has a couple of nice moments. Blake Gehring is “Dean’s” best friend and provides texture and support to the story, but perhaps the most surprising of all is Kydnra Dyanne Jefferies, whose “Aunt Toonie” is a scene-stealing comedy genius. Her timing and mannerisms are ridiculous in the best possible ways, and I hope that now that she’s been seen on one of the premier stages in town, we can see more of her.

One of the hardest things as a playwright is deciding where the action will take place. Wiggins puts the action in a handful of places, and the set design (and lighting) by Brian c. Mehring makes that possible - and realistic. The immersion created by Mehring and props curator and design assistant, Shannon Rae Lutz, is one of the best and most consistent things about ETC. Multiple costume changes are designed and executed well by Ahron Simone, while Matt Callahan’s understated sound design underscores the story with dignity and subtlety. Nigel C. Masks’s wig design is so good that I’m not sure who was wearing a wig - I think that’s probably the best compliment I’ve ever given to this particular technical element.

“Who All Over There?” is a solid first outing for a playwright whose voice is desperately needed on stages in Cincinnati. I hope Wiggins keeps writing, though I’m not sure how she finds the time. She’s a marvelous talent and one of my favorite people.

WHO ALL OVER THERE? plays through April 30th at Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati. For more information and tickets, click here.