There is a very funny time to be had at MCC Theater on W. 52nd Street, where “Cold War Choir Practice” is playing (through April 5). This play, with music brilliantly created by Ro Reddick and charming direction by Knud Adams, is being presented by MCC Theater with Clubbed Thumb and Page 73, and tells the story of the Cold War between Russia and the U.S. through the eyes of a Black family living in Syracuse, New York, in 1987.
The story introduces us to Smooch, who owns a failing roller skating rink and is very much pro-Black; his daughter Meek; his mother Puddin; his older brother, a Republican politician named Clay; his sister-in-law Virgie; a Cold War choir; and the choir leader. This play is truly a delight that will have you laughing as it touches on how people felt about Russia’s threat to the U.S. in those days.
The cast is absolutely phenomenal, with each person bringing a high level of humor and talent to their role. Veteran actress Lizan Mitchell is absolutely a complete delight as Puddin, a mother and grandmother who tells it like it is and doesn’t hold any punches. She will do anything to protect her family and is very wise. Will Cobbs as Smooch is incredibly funny, a “Black panther” pro-Black character who is just trying to take care of his community. Alana Raquel Bowers is amusing and clever as Meek, a young person trying to look at the reality and scariness of the political threat that Russia represents. Her character has the innocence of a child, but also a lot of common sense. Andy Lucien is poignant as Clay, a man just grateful to be in Washington negotiating with the Russians and having power as the only Black man in the room with the president and other leaders. Crystal Finn is funny as Virgie, a woman who has been inducted into a cult and is too weak to stand up to them. Grace McLean, Suzzy Roche, and Nina Ross are fantastic as the amusing, pro-Communist choir members and Ellen Winter is entertaining as choir leader.
There’s a lot to enjoy about this play, which also has a marvelous creative team that includes set design by Afsoon Pajoufar, costume design by Brenda Abbandandolo, lighting design by Masha Tsimring, sound design by Kathy Ruvuna, hair design by Sarah Jordan, original songs by Ro Reddick, and music direction by Ellen Winter.
For tickets, visit mcctheater.org.