If spring is in the air, that means love is soon to follow, and weddings after that. Family Affair: The Wedding taps into that loving feeling — and brings a lot of laughs with it. Husband-and-wife team Gill Nelson and Pamela Bunn-Nelson, co-founders of Timeless Entertainment, presented a heartwarming stage play at Bowie Center for the Performing Arts filled with laughter and drama.
The story centers on Mikey, played by Jaylyn Faith Malonte’ Neal, who is about to marry the lovely Tracie, played by Tiffany White. Mikey believes Tracie is his “first, last, and everything. The answer to my dreams.”
White demonstrated impressive pipes during a special song for Mikey. Her singing added emotion to her performance. The chemistry between Neal and White is impressive. Their scenes were enjoyable to watch.
Bunn-Nelson added depth to the show with her role as Mikey’s mom, Kandace. Bunn-Nelson brings a mix of humor and emotion to her scenes. She captured the complexity of a mother’s love for her son while also mastering comedic timing. Kadace’s relationship with Mikey is relatable, with heartfelt moments that resonated with the audience.
Faheem Abdus Salaam (also the co-director) plays Mikey’s stepdad, adding a wise presence to his family. He told Mikey, “You get married, you become one.” His role brought a perspective that balances the youthful exuberance of Mikey and Tracie’s love story. Salaam is an actor to watch; he gave a phenomenal comedic performance in He Creeps.
Some of the funnier moments came from Dr. Rita D. Lewis (also a He Creeps veteran), who plays the quirky wedding planner, Suzy B. Her comedic timing and silly mannerisms kept the audience howling antics, and her antics brought a playful energy into the show, making her one of the standout characters.
Darryl Bradley’s portrayal of Uncle Gogo was a source of comic relief, with his larger-than-life personality (he also provided pre-show comedy). While other characters were often serious, Uncle Gogo provided goofiness. Uncle Gogo’s relationship with his Boo, played by Trina Adams, added an interesting layer to the plot, especially as his possible romantic connection with another woman threatened to complicate things.
Director Nelson played Mikey’s biological father, Dave; his role brought an emotional depth to the play. Nelson shined in a particularly tense scene with Neal’s Mikey — it was unforgettable. Their fictional father-and-son dynamic was explored in a way that added complexity to the storyline, highlighting the tension between them.
Another standout was Paul Pablo Jerry, who played Mikey’s brother O’Shea. He kept the energy up in his scenes. The bond with his brother Mikey felt real and relatable.
An out-of-the-box aspect of the play was the fake TV show “Caught in Action,” which provided a satirical commentary on modern reality television. This subplot added absurdity to the production, making it feel like a sitcom at times.
The show mostly stayed away from addressing contemporary issues, but there was a brief mention of gentrification. This could have added an interesting layer to the show; the show instead focused on the aspects of love, marriage, and family relationships.
The set design, supplied by Luxury Home Interiors, was nothing short of magnificent. The opulent set, with its gold trim, elegant mirrors, and plush carpets, created an atmosphere of luxury. It provided a good backdrop for the unfolding drama.
Family Affair: The Wedding is a wonderful theatrical experience that offers a well-mixed blend of laughter and family drama. Whether you’re drawn to the humor or the talented performances, there’s something for everyone in this production. Be sure to catch Timeless Entertainment’s next show.
Running Time: Approximately three hours, with a 10-minute intermission.
Family Affair: The Wedding played March 16, 2025, presented by Timeless Entertainment, performing at the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts, 15200 Annapolis Road/Route 450 in Bowie, MD. For future events at Bowie Center for the Performing Arts, visit their website.
Find the playbill here.
Family Affair: The Wedding
By Gill Nelson and Pamela Bunn-Nelson
Directed by Gill Nelson and Faheem Abdus Salaam
CAST
The Boo: Trina Adams
Kendall: Sheena Alston
Caught-N-Action Crew #1: Apostle Jerome Bouie
Caught-N-Action Crew #2: David Evans
Caught-N-Action Security: Charles Barnes
Uncle Gogo: Darryl Bradley
Kandace: Pamela Bunn-Nelson
Sammie Coleman: Dereky Martin-Hagler
Officiant: Apostle Veryl Howard
O’Shea: Paul Pablo Jerry
Susie B.: Dr. Rita D. Lewis
Derrick: Lorenzo Lynch
Mikey: Jaylyn Faith Malonte’ Neal
David: Gill Nelson
Karen: LaSonya Olden
Mrs. Fabulous: Ivory Twyman
Sheron: Stacey Tyson
Tracie: Tiffany White
Tim: Faheem Abdus Salaam
PRODUCTION TEAM
Executive Producer/Director: Gill Nelson
Co-Director: Faheem Abdus Salaam
Co-Producers: Gill Nelson and Pamela Bunn-Nelson
Writers: Gill Nelson and Pamela Bunn-Nelson
Host: Asia
Set Designers: Luxury Home Interiors
Musical Director and Drummer: Dwayne Holton
Production and Stage Manager: Trina Montgomery
