Fried Chicken & Latkes
Tonight I went to Baltimore and saw Rain Pryor's one-woman show Fried Chicken & Latkes. The show is about her life growing half-African American, half-Jewish. her father was late actor Richard Pryor. It's funny, I first heard about this show from Bob, who is close friends with Rain, and it was through him that I scored a complimentary ticket. Not that I wouldn't have paid to go, but it is nice to have friends in high places.
The show is phenomenal. The stage setting was sparse but intimate, just rain and a Grand piano with accompanist. She basically relives the highs and lows of her childhood and adult life, telling anecdotes by acting out the characters in them including herself. The creativity and emotions conveyed through each sketch are incredible. I was very impressed. It is a show that makes you laugh, cry, think, analyze, and ultimately leave feeling hopeful and touched.
After the show I met up with Bob (he's been her traveling stage manager for part of her US tour) and he introduced me to Rain and some of his other friends who had attended tonight's performance. After some brief conversation a number of us decided to go to Clyde's for a very late dinner and cocktail hour. I had a very good time even though rain and I didn't get much time to chat. She's a really lovely person and we've heard so much about each other from Bob that when we met it was like we were old acquaintances.
All in all not a bad way to spend a Friday night. Though at the moment I am thoroughly exhausted. If Fried Chicken & Latkes comes to a theatre near you and you have the opportunity, go see it. You won't be disappointed.
