Comedian Chanel Ali is sharing her autobiographical story of growing up with a very complicated and troubled family — so complicated that she ended up in foster care. Hers is a story of trauma, frustration, wanting to feel loved and cared for, but not finding that in the way most people think of that happening for a child.
She uses humor to share a story that is tragic, but also very vivid to hear. You will find yourself listening intently, as Ali starts the 1-hour show with a contagious energy that captures the room, an intimate space at Soho Playhouse at 15 Vandam St. The way she tells the story gives the audience a clear view of her perception of the world; how, as a 6-year-old girl, she was made to be the adult in a household with an irresponsible adult who was hooked on drugs, but who she also understood to a point and loved deeply. The way she tells her story, she is so vulnerable, you can’t help but be touched.
You will find yourself laughing, but also admiring how she manages to continue to strive to do something important with her life, after experiencing so many issues when it came to family, which included a drug addicted mother and a physically abusive drug-addicted grandmother. Not having her father in her life, her conducted some investigative research to find out who he was. She was also able to find out that she had another brother through 23andMe when she was working on a commercial with Kevin Hart.
Ali’s story is quite unique, disturbing, but also shows that whatever lot you are dealt in life, how your life goes is completely up to you. You decide your future, not your lineage. When the show is over you feel a sense of triumph and pain with her. Her writing and performance of this play is so heartfelt you have to admire her steadfastness to make her life have not only meaning, but be a testament to what one can endure while still managing to come out on top.This powerful, moving one-woman show is directed by Ryan Cunningham. It has set design by Christine Page, costume design by Brandi Denise, technical direction/lighting design by Dan Robinson, and is produced by Sarah Cooper, Adam Gold, AGI Entertainment Media & Management. It is a production worth experiencing, and sharing in the delight of Ali’s resilient spirit. The show plays through Sept. 28. For tickets visit sohoplayhouse.com.