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



YAY! Comedy Show to be Presented at Music Mountain Theatre This Month Photo
International Headliner Aidan Park returns to Music Mountain Theatre in Lambertville, NJ, as they present their 2nd Comedy Club Night.

Student Blog: Managing A Life That Often Manages You Photo
In my own life, I have worked day in and day out to try and find a balance and rhythm in handling my responsibilities and relationships. I still don’t have all the answers, but with the help of a few simple things, I have been able to regain control of my life and lead myself with certainty and organization.

Union High School Performing Arts Company Presents MAMMA MIA! Photo
This March, the acclaimed Union High School Performing Arts Company (UHSPAC) will be presenting Mamma Mia!

SOPAC Announces SOMA backStage Reading Series Photo
The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) announced the inaugural weekend of the SOMA backStage Reading Series, a partnership with local theater company SOMA Stage. 


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)


SIMPLY SPIKED™ PEACH is Making Late Night Juicy Calls for Fans-First Taste of 4 New FlavorsSIMPLY SPIKED™ PEACH is Making Late Night Juicy Calls for Fans-First Taste of 4 New Flavors
March 22, 2023

We are delighted to let our readers know about the launch of Simply Spiked™ Peach. It's a refreshing beverage in four new flavors to welcome the spring season.

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.