Skip to main content Skip to footer site map

Review: CLYDE'S at George Street Playhouse-A True Gem of a Play

Review: CLYDE’S at George Street Playhouse-A True Gem of a Play

Review: CLYDE'S at George Street Playhouse-A True Gem of a Play

"Just cause you left prison doesn't mean you're out of prison." by Montrellous in Clyde's

George Street Playhouse (GSP) is presenting the lively and moving comedy, Clyde's. Written by the two-time Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, Lynn Nottage, the show enjoys inspired direction by Melissa Maxwell. The play, that was on Broadway from 2021 to 2022, is making its New Jersey debut at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) through February 19. We completely agree with GSP's Artistic Director, David Saint who stated, "Our audience will savor every bite of this delicious Tony-nominated feast of a play!"

Set in the kitchen of a truck stop sandwich restaurant, Clyde's tells the story of four formerly incarcerated people, Letitia, Raphael, Montrellous, and Jason, who have been hired as sandwich makers by the eatery's brash owner, Clyde. Even though she had served time in prison, Clyde is unsympathetic and mean to the four workers, but their options for other employment are few. The story of each of the four kitchen workers reveals the struggles that one faces upon re-entering society after being incarcerated. Yet when the workers, led by Montrellous, share their ideas for new sandwich types, they soon learn that making food has the power to heal and transform.

Review: CLYDE'S at George Street Playhouse-A True Gem of a Play

The cast delivers Lynn Nottage's sharp, clever dialogue impeccably. The five actors are perfectly cast in their roles making Clyde's captivating from the first moment to the last. The company includes Darlene Hope as Clyde, Gabriel Lawrence as Montrellous, Sydney Lolita Cusic as Letitia, Xavier Reyes as Rafael, and Ryan Czerwonko as Jason. The understudy for Rafael and Montrellouse is Rafael Jordan and the understudy for Clyde and Letitia is Cherita Armstrong.

Review: CLYDE'S at George Street Playhouse-A True Gem of a Play

Some of our favorite moments in the play include Clyde refusing to taste one of Montrellous' sandwich creations; Jason being told by the other staff members never to smile at Clyde; Clyde distributing food deliveries in the kitchen; Jason revealing his living situation; Clyde insisting Rafael fry spoiled fish; Letitia dreaming up the best date she could have; Rafael inviting Letitia out for her birthday; the restaurant being mentioned in a newspaper; and Montrellous proudly describing his brother's accomplishments.

Review: CLYDE'S at George Street Playhouse-A True Gem of a Play

The Design and Production Team has done a fabulous job of setting the stage for Clyde's. They include scenic design by Riw Rakkulchon; costume design by Azalea Fairley; lighting design by Cheyenne Skyes; sound design and original music by Scott O'Brien; and hair and makeup design by Fre Howard. Christina M. Woolard is the Production Stage Manager and Gabriel Lawrence is the Fight Captain.

Treat yourself to a theatre production that promises to amuse and inform. Clyde's is a gem of a play that we know our readers will appreciate and long remember.

George Street Playhouse at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center is located at 8 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901. The state of the art venue is convenient to mass transit options and nearby parking. Tickets for Clyde's begin at $25. For subscriptions and group discount information visit https://georgestreetplayhouse.org/ or call 732-246-7717. Note that the play contains adult material and language.

Editor's Note: We are impressed and pleased that Clyde's is being produced in New Brunswick, the city that houses Elijah's Promise. This organization serves people with meals, a baking and pastry course to give clients critical job training, a mobile meal program to serve food insecure neighbors, distribution of clothing and hygiene products along with helping people to access housing, SNAP and other social service benefits. For more information visit www.elijahspromise.org.

Photo Credit: T. Charles Erickson



State Theatre New Jersey Presents Best-Selling Author David Sedaris, April 4 Photo
The fully renovated State Theatre New Jersey presents An Evening with David Sedaris on Tuesday, April 4 at 7:30pm. Sedaris will do a book signing after the show for all ticket holders. Tickets range from $29-$69.  

Centenary Stage Company Presents World Premiere Production Of OFF THE MAP By Christine Fos Photo
Originally a part of the 2022 Women Playwright Series readings, Off the Map by Christine Foster is now turning into a fully realized production at Centenary Stage Company.

Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center Presents The New Jersey Premiere Of Award-Winning Farc Photo
Doors slamming, mistaken identities, and crazy props? It must be a farce! Get ready to laugh out loud with Certifiably Yours, an award-winning, side-splitting farce. Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center, in residence at duCret Center of Art in Plainfield, is presenting the New Jersey premiere of Certifiably Yours, a comedy by Metuchen resident Lawrence Paone.

Nettingham Middle School to Present HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL JR. This Week Photo
More than 70 drama students at Nettingham Middle School are gearing up to present Disney's 'High School Musical Jr.' March 24 and 25 at 7 p.m. and March 26 at 2 p.m.


From This Author - Marina Kennedy

Marina P. Kennedy's writing career led her from freelancing opportunities in New Jersey and New York to writing for Broadwayworld.com where she covers entertainment, the culinary scen... (read more about this author)


THE PENN DISTRICT Offers March Madness Viewing, Food and DrinkTHE PENN DISTRICT Offers March Madness Viewing, Food and Drink
March 20, 2023

Across the PENN DISTRICT, it's basketball madness as the NCAA tournament continues.

KYU in Noho Announces New OfferingsKYU in Noho Announces New Offerings
March 20, 2023

The Asian inspired hotspot, KYU in Noho has many new and exciting offerings for their guests that our readers will like to know about.

Review: THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE at George Street Playhouse is a Vibrant and Wonderfully Performed Musical ComedyReview: THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE at George Street Playhouse is a Vibrant and Wonderfully Performed Musical Comedy
March 19, 2023

George Street Playhouse (GSP) is currently presenting The 25thAnnual Putnam County Spelling Bee. It's the most fun you'll ever have going to the theatre!

ROYAL WINE CORP. Offers 15 Top Wines to Celebrate PassoverROYAL WINE CORP. Offers 15 Top Wines to Celebrate Passover
March 18, 2023

Royal Wine Corp. has 15 wine selections for the 8 days of Passover. There are wine suggestions for vegetarians, vegans and for traditional Seders. Here’s also the details for the real reason you drink four cups of wine.

Stars Enjoyed CASAMIGOS at “Shazam: Fury of the Gods” PremiereStars Enjoyed CASAMIGOS at “Shazam: Fury of the Gods” Premiere
March 17, 2023

On Tuesday night, in Los Angeles, Casamigos joined Warner Bros. Pictures for their star-studded premiere of 'Shazam: Fury of the Gods.'