“Sublime, I know what that means” may seem like an odd title and opening statement but it is a quote from one of the characters in the Milwaukee Chamber Theatre’s Clyde’s at an important pivot point in the play. What is Clyde’s? It’s a humble cafe/diner that has a growing reputation for sandwiches. Sandwiches you say? Yes, sandwiches, a key plot thread that ties our story and characters together. Who is Clyde? Well Clyde is the proprietor of Clyde’s.
And what is Clyde’s the play? The setting is the kitchen of Clyde’s the diner. And although mentioned that sandwiches is a thread that creates a tie that binds, Pulitzer Prize Winner, Lynn Nottage didn’t give us a simple play about sandwiches or diners. Clyde’s discusses in detail a number of serious cultural and societal issues, including sexism and sexual harassment, racism, and because all of our characters have been incarcerated, issues around how they try to manage new lives once being released from prison. Nottage gives us great insight and great stories and compelling language here. Keep in mind that some of it is very adult language in various forms. This is also a story about love, acceptance, friendship, disappointment, and redemption as Clyde’s kitchen staff learns to work together and work for Clyde but eventually, how to take care of themselves.
When we are first introduced to Clyde’s we meet the three kitchen staffers that keep the place running: Montrellous (aka Monty), Rafael, and Letitia. Rafael is played by Justin Huen who presents us with a vibrant grill man who aspires to sous chef. Huen brings just the right bit of bravado and rhythm to the character and the kitchen…and he gives us a romantic Rafael with a big heart clearly on his sleeve. N’Jameh Camara’s Letitia is an often a distracted mother who can’t quite leave her troubles at the kitchen door. Montrellous and Rafael try to help her overcome her anxieties and she slowly falls into the flow of the kitchen and her compatriots. Camara makes Letitia’s transitions from anxious to angry to at peace a natural and very real experience. And Montrellous is described in the play as a Buddha at times. And Bryant Bentley seems to be just exactly that…working as mentor and advisor and lead sandwich maker…he keeps an even keel around the kitchen as our story unfolds.
But then, a new character arrives at Clyde’s. Jason has just gotten out of prison and has a definite chip on his shoulder at this point. And Nate Press provides us the the anger and quick trigger that Jason’s backstory tells us got him in trouble in the first place. He can’t quite grasp the point of making sandwiches or working with his teammates or caring much about anything. And the others warn him about Clyde…he doesn’t necessary heed their warnings…but he does come to a realization that self-care with a bit of support is a valid goal.
Who is Clyde? Lachrisa Grandberry rules the roost here as Clyde. Working the front of the house and demanding constant work and efficiency from the kitchen staff…she is harassing and demeaning…and clearly lording it over them thinking that as felons they have no recourse than to accept her attitude. Grandberry is effective as the mean and outrageous Clyde. She comes across as very real as the villain and I don’t think anyone in the audience had any empathy for her. I do wonder if she was engaged in a bit of tough love here or as Jason shouted out, she was just mean. There are hints toward the latter but it is never resolved in my mind.
And that thread around sandwiches? When there is a moment of peace in the kitchen, our characters suggest their best sandwich recipes of the moment and at times create their best for presentation and critique. These asides are clearly the bonding moments that the characters crave but create organically in the moment.
Yes, this is a serious drama, but there is a good bit of word play and humor here…laugh out loud humor. After experiencing this, it is hard to imagine that there will be a more compelling drama the rest of this season. And Director Dimonte Henning has explored every nook and cranny of the text and extracted every bit of humor and drama to be mined here!
Clyde’s is being presented by the Milwaukee Chamber Theatre at the Broadway Theatre Center. It is extremely popular and as a result has been extended through November 30, 2024. More information and tickets here! Run time: approximately 100 minutes, no intermission and there is adult language.
What is your favorite sandwich?
