Get ready to be captivated by a theater experience that’s as thought-provoking as it is entertaining! Virginia Beach’s Little Theatre is buzzing with a production that’s anything but ordinary, and it’s not just because of its quirky credits. Imagine a playbill that thanks an entomological consultant—yes, a bug expert—right alongside the director’s notes. But don’t let that bug you (pun intended). In Stick Fly, the insects are a minor detail in a hilarious and outrageous family saga that’s currently stealing the spotlight.
Directed by the talented ArLynn Parker, this production introduces us to a highly educated, affluent Black family vacationing in Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard, in 2005. Written by playwright Lydia R. Diamond—known for her acclaimed adaptation of Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye—the play dives into themes of race, class, and privilege with wit and depth. But here’s where it gets controversial: the family dynamics are so raw and relatable, they’ll make you question your own relationships. From a neurosurgeon father who dismisses his son’s literary ambitions to a white girlfriend trying to fit into an all-Black gathering, every character brings their own brand of chaos.
The cast is stellar, with standout performances from Salem Rogers as Taylor, a bug-studying academic, and Ra’melle Marshall as Flip, whose charisma is impossible to ignore. Kristen Martwinski shines as Kimber, the “melanin-challenged” girlfriend, while Yonathan Tekleab delivers a sensitive portrayal of Kent, the aspiring writer. Even the young maid, Cheryl (played by the luminous Destinee Kiara), steals scenes with her wit and code-switching prowess. And this is the part most people miss: the set, designed by Sandy Lawrence, is a character in itself, showcasing the family’s affluence with genuine Romare Bearden paintings—though the lack of interior walls on the small stage requires a bit of audience imagination.
What makes Stick Fly so compelling is its ability to balance humor with heart-wrenching moments. The squabbles, the fights, the secrets—it’s all here, wrapped in a package that feels both Jerry Springer-level dramatic and profoundly insightful. As Joe LeVay (Roger Wilson) quips, ‘Come back at Christmas and we’ll be back to our usual levels of mirthful dysfunction.’ You’ll leave the theater buzzing with questions about identity, family, and what it means to belong.
Here’s the controversial question: Does Stick Fly challenge stereotypes, or does it reinforce them? The play’s portrayal of a wealthy Black family is rare in theater, but does it go far enough in dismantling class and racial assumptions? Let’s discuss in the comments!
Catch this production before it’s gone—it’s a real buzz! Performances run through February 8 at Little Theatre of Virginia Beach. Tickets start at $25, and trust me, it’s worth every penny. For details, visit ltvb.com or call 757-428-9233. Don’t miss out on this glittering, thought-provoking gem!
