BWW Reviews: FRIED CHICKEN AND LATKES - The Best Show You Haven't Seen Yet

Rain Pryor has had many television roles. Most notably, you might remember her on the ABC series "Head of the Class." She's now a mom and calls Baltimore home. Nevertheless, New York welcomes her with open arms. Her autobiographical one-woman show, Fried Chicken and Latkes is running now at the Actors Temple Theatre (339 W. 47th Street).

Based on the audience I experienced, I can guarantee Fried Chicken and Latkes is the best show in New York that you are not seeing. The New York Times says Ms. Pryor's "salty banter suggests Bette Midler without the camp"; however, this critic will go as far as to say she is a Liza Minnelli for a new generation. Ms. Pryor can sing, dance and act. Her humor reminds you of her royal comic linage and most importantly, she is immensely likable. My question is, how has this show not gone to a bigger theatre yet?

Fried Chicken and Latkes is an extremely well written show. Most solo performers wrestle with making their stories extraordinary. Ms. Pryor had a harder task at hand. She led an extraordinary, documented life. However, she finds a way to make that life relatable. Her father was more than just comic icon, Richard Pryor. He was daddy.

Fried Chicken and Latkes is a tight seventy minutes. Ms. Pryor seamlessly moves from scene to scene and character to character without the use of a blackout. She keeps you riveted. I also really appreciated her use of music to punctuate points in the show. That could not be done without her rocking blues band, lead by Music Director Aziza Miller. Through music and monologues, Fried Chicken and Latkes has about as near of a perfect running order as a revue could have.

Scenery is kept minimal, helping the audience to focus on Ms. Pryor's performance. Stage Manager Jonathan Santos keeps a tight ship, allowing the audience to become engrossed in the piece. Fried Chicken and Latkes does not need flash to impress.

Fried Chicken and Latkes is a parade of friends, relatives and tormentors. Her portraits include those of a slur-hurling elementary school bully; her hardheaded mother, which she describes as "Joan Crawford in the 'hood", her maternal grandmother - her bubby, and wise tough-talking paternal great-grandmother. She also introduces us a tough black female classmate; a vapid 1980s Valley girl; and MiLes Davis, who once serenaded her to sleep. The most poignant piece in the show is her portrayal of her father in his decline. Multiple sclerosis claimed his life in 2005. She addresses his flaws, like womanizing and drug abuse, but vividly renders his tender paternal concern and honorable candor. Taking on the role of Richard Pryor would be pretty daunting for any actor. When that icon happens to be your father, it must be harder. However, Ms. Pryor takes the challenge on with a grace that gives her father a dimension we would have never known.

The shows I usually review have a end date, but Fried Chicken and Latkes is in an open-ended run at the Actors Temple Theater. This gives me the unique opportunity to say that this show frankly deserves more buzz than it is currently getting. See for yourself. Tickets are available through (212) 239-6200 and Telecharge.com.

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