Gathering after the death of a beloved patriarch, the close-knit Jenkins family soon finds his funeral to be more than just a celebration of life and legacy. As their collective grief brings to the surface challenging secrets and strained relationships, Chicken & Biscuits by Douglas Lyons finds laughter and vulnerable stillness through deeply human stories and storytellers. Playing through April 6 at NextStop Theatre Company, this production under the direction of Rikki Howie Lacewell is a heaping serving of Black family life, traditions, and joy that invites you to pull up a chair and finally share what’s on your heart.
Carrying much of the pressure is the eldest and now “head” of the family, Baneatta, played by Bruni Herring. Married, tenured, and with two grown children of her own, Herring’s portrayal showed the weight of generational cycles and the cracks that that heaviness slowly but surely caused in her seemingly picture-perfect life. No longer able to use her accomplishments as armor, Baneatta’s loss of control often caused her to lash out like a child — like the one she was never allowed to be when she was younger.
Supporting his wife through this tremendous life shift while also taking over the pulpit from his father-in-law at their church, Reginald, played by DeJeanette Horne, brought a lively balance of comedic relief, soul-stirring motivation, and steady calm to the production. Determined to keep legacy alive, Horne’s sermon in particular was an incredible exercise in pacing and energy. Even in the small act of welcoming Brianna played by Bianca Lipford to the microphone showcased the comfort Horne’s Reginald provides his family, leading through action and faith.
Grown eldest daughter of a grown eldest daughter, Simone, played by Sirra Faal, also took on much of the play’s mantle of pressure and responsibility. Like mother like daughter, Faal’s Simone fought to overthrow the expectations placed on her by herself and by society — in a performance that crackled with energy and intelligence.
Where Simone struggled with perception, son Kenny, played by Ira F. Coats Jr., grappled with his dual identities as a Black man and as a gay man. Often tempted to revert to a closeted version of himself, Coats’ Kenny skillfully vacillated between his equally strong desires to be recognized for who he is, to honor the grandfather who cherished his happiness, and to stand with his partner — Logan, played by Ben Ribler — the reason for much of his happiness. Trying to be supportive in unfamiliar circumstances, Ribler’s Logan was endearingly awkward and often enthusiastically mistimed, punctuating the story with moments of release and laughter.
Last but certainly not least, the boisterous mother-daughter duo of Beverly, played by Brianna Nobles, and La’Trice, played by Amari Chambers, were the queens of uproarious laughter and unapologetic joy in the production — taking every moment as a chance to play and shine with enough personality to fill the heavens. Nobles’ Beverly was confident, short-fused, and a straight shooter who instantly charmed (and disarmed) the audience. But it was Chambers who really stole the show for me as the self-assured La’Trice. A force of teenage attitude that demanded to be respected and reckoned with, Chambers’ portrayal had the immortality and immaturity of a nearly 16-year-old balanced to perfection.
As I’ve come to expect from the NextStop Theatre Company’s creative team, Chicken & Biscuits delivered another clever staging — this time to place the audience in the literal seats of the congregation for this lively and enlivening funeral. More often than not, the fourth wall was entirely removed, and audience members were outright encouraged to participate, be it through a laugh or a hearty “Amen.” Scenic design by Jack Golden, lighting design by Hailey LaRoe, and sound design by Janice Rivera built a world that was both sacred and warm, while costume design by Imari Pyles and prop design by Marty Bernier layered in the nuance of modern, multi-generational Black American life.
Simultaneously asking how we can start again and inviting us to take one deep breath, Chicken & Biscuits at NextStop Theatre Company creates the kind of laughter that warms your soul as much as it propels you forward. With purposeful intention, this production reminds us to create space for connection, poke at imperfection, and gather around the table for the kind of healing magic that is only possible when the whole family is together.
Running Time: 90 minutes with no intermission.
Chicken & Biscuits plays through April 6, 2025, at NextStop Theatre Company, located at 269 Sunset Park Drive in Herndon, VA. Tickets, priced at $45 with a $2 convenience fee, are available for purchase online or by calling the box office at (703) 481-5930 x1. For more information, email BoxOffice@NextStopTheatre.org.
A digital program is available here.
Post-Show Talkback: March 23 – A Discussion on Family Trauma and Healing with Director Rikki Howie Lacewell and Licensed Professional Counselor Valerie Patton.
