-Kacee BIGGS-

Cousins!

We had the chance to kick it at the Roundabout Theatre Company in the Times Square area of New York City for an exclusive viewing of “..What The End Will  Be,” by playwright and screenwriter Mansa Ra!

The play provides a deeper look at the complex father-son dynamics of three generations of Gay Black men, all related and ultimately living under one roof.

“…What The End Will Be” explores the life and times of the main character Maxwell Kennedy as he sets three rules when his sick father, Bartholomew, comes to live with him: ‘Don’t be racist, be nice to his  husband, and don’t die.’

 It’s the third rule that Bartholomew jokes about, “You’re gonna have to take that up with Jesus,” he says. 

The play consists of many humorous and moving moments alongside the  reality of what comes with family drama.

Head of household, conservative, career-driven Maxwell played by Emerson Brooks lives with his husband in Atlanta who happens to be white male named Charles portrayed by Randy Harrison. 

Maxwell has recently taken on the responsibility of providing a home to care for his father, Bartholomew a gay veteran with terminal bone cancer played by Keith Randolph Smith.

Tony, an eighteen -year-old athlete played by Gerald Caesar, is full of energy and personality, but he’s also keeping a secret from his dad: that he has a boyfriend by the name of Antoine portrayed by Ryan Jamaal Swain. However that isn’t the issue; the kind of boyfriend Antoine is to Tony is the problem.

Things take a major turn when Bartholomew makes a surprise announcement, forcing Maxwell to look in the mirror and take a look at his own closeted, secretive life and open himself up to the possibility of change for the betterment of his family.

“…What The End Will Be” may come off as your typical play; from the set-up of a dying grandparent, an old-school dad, and an rebellious teen wanting to to be himself; it’s a fairly familiar storyline . However Ra puts these tropes in different cultural settings, which as a result is fresh and engaging not only for the Black community but for the countless audience members. 

In all honesty, the show began before the show began. Actors were energetically  moving through the crowd, occasionally stopping to “talk” with theater attendees. Without giving anything away, you are hooked from the introduction through the end. 

“…What The End Will Be..”  has elements of humor while also tugging on the heartstrings and highlighting the perfect balance of family, LGBTQ issues and what it means to be comfortable in your own skin while being Black and Gay in America.

Cousins, be sure to grab your tickets today!