Sunday, February 23, 2020

All the Natalie Portmans

C-

MCC Theater is presenting the world premiere of this depressing family drama by C.A. Johnson (Thirst). Keyonna (Kara Young; The New Englanders) is an unhappy black lesbian high school student in D.C. who seeks escape from her bleak reality by covering her wall with photos of movie stars. Her particular favorite is Natalie Portman (Elise Kibler; Napoli, Brooklyn), who becomes her imaginary friend. Her loving older brother Samuel (Joshua Boone; Network, Actually) is having sex with their mutual friend Chantel (Renika Williams; The Climb), with whom Keyonna once shared a kiss. Samuel works in a bar once frequented by their late father, the circumstances of whose death are never explained. Their mother Ovetta (Montego Glover; Memphis) is an alcoholic who spends her hotel salary on booze and gambling rather than on the rent. She placates their landlord with sexual favors. Samuel gets into trouble with the law and Keyonna stops attending classes. Eviction looms on the horizon. A series of mother-son and mother-daughter conversations provides a showcase for Ms. Montego’s talents. The fantasy interludes in which Natalie Portman appears dressed for one of her movie roles are amusing at first, but do not really lead anywhere. The set by Donyale Werle (The Legend of Georgia McBride) is appropriately dreary. Jennifer Moeller’s (Sweat, Aubergine) costumes seemed apt. Kate Whoriskey (Sweat. Ruined) is a fine director, but not even she can work magic with this material. All in all, it made for a dispiriting afternoon. Running time: two hours, including intermission.

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