“Shalom, my brothers,” states Rain Pryor as she opens her one person show “Fried Chicken and Latkes.” Pryor is a delight. The multi-talented Rain exposes her life in Beverly Hills during the 1970s and 80s. Growing up black and Jewish, coming to terms with her famous dad’s talent and addictions making the papers, was not an easy road. Rain is not afraid to unearth those feelings.
Rain’s father was the late Richard Pryor, who once set himself on fire. Her mom is Shelley Bonus, a Jewish go-go dancer. Told through song and the characters who make-up Rain Flowers’ life, we see a slice of life. When she becomes both grandmothers we see the dichotomy but the wisdom that helped mold this expressive actress and singer.
Like her dad, Rain is versatile with a wide vocal range and emotions and is a prolific storyteller. In 75-minutes we run the gamut of racism (the word nigger is used a lot, just like her dad.), stereotypes, comedy and humanity. When you have Miles Davis lulling you to sleep as he babysits you or grandmothers who are yentas and ex-madams how can you not have humor!
Rain is not a stranger to acting; she made her TV debut in 1989 at the age of 18, on the hit ABC show “Head of the Class,” as TJ. She starred as Jackie, the lipstick lesbian drug addict on Showtime’s “Rude Awakening.” Guest appearances on various TV shows, numerous independent features, as well as major film projects such as “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” and “Panther,” with Melvin Van Peebles, complete her resume. In “Fried Chicken and Latkes,” Rain convinces us she belongs on a stage.
Rain has created the piece and is the co-producer. The fabulous Charles Lindberg is her musical director.
“Fried Chicken and Latkes” Actors Temple 339 West 47th Street between 8th & 9th Avenues. Open-Ended Monday at 7pm, Saturday at 2:30pm, Sunday at 4:30pm $39.50 – $69.50 1 hour (no intermission)
Posted by Suzanna Bowling
on August 3, 2012. Filed under ENTERTAIMENT,Theatre.
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