Artistic Director B.J. Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans are inviting the public to experience a humorous production Po Boy Tango during its world premiere at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd., in Skokie.
Artistic Director B.J. Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans are inviting the public to experience a humorous production of "Po Boy Tango" during its world premiere at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd., in Skokie.
The comedy stageplay blends traditional Chinese cuisine and African American soul food into a production that its writers and producers say celebrates the human spirit along with the thrill of preparing food.
"Po Boy Tango" provides an account of Richie Po, a Taiwanese immigrant who turns to his estranged friend, Gloria, to help him recreate his mother’s “Great Banquet.”
Despite the challenges of shark fin soup, duck po boy sandwiches and underlying cultural tensions, Richie and Gloria find a mutual relationship through their shared humor and the blending of traditional Chinese and African-American fare.
They are assisted by examples from Po Mama’s television cooking show that causes them to discover a sincere understanding of food, culture and the nature of friendship.
“‘Po Boy Tango‘… piqued our interest because of its fresh themes, unique characters and unusual theatricality. I don’t ever remember reading anything like ‘Po Boy Tango.’ The fact that it dealt with diverse cultures facing each other’s prejudices and differences made it an interesting choice for our audience,” Jones said of the play.
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