It was a privilege to witness Kim Wayans’ performance Thursday night in her autobiographical one-woman show, A Handsome Woman Retreats.
Despite some success in show business, Wayans is feeling overshadowed by her more successful brothers. Despite her sustaining mother’s love, she is made to feel unlovable by other influences. Despite her tremendous talent, Wayans is unhappy and discontent, so her yoga teacher suggests she go on a 10-day silent meditation retreat instead of taking medications that her doctor has suggested.
Handsome Woman is a tour-de-force, a rollercoaster ride through Wayans’ life. As she sits quietly, possibly for the first time in her life, all her buried memories, hopes, disappointments, heartaches and loves come bubbling to the surface. She can’t joke them away. All she can do is experience them and come out the other side.
In the course of her 90-minute autobiographical show, Wayans drew tears from the audience — and lots and lots of laughter. Wayans is one funny woman.
But she is far more than that. She is a multi-dimensional actor: whimsical, witty, romantic, poignant, zany and wacky, to name just a few of her qualities. And yet the only roles she’s offered in Hollywood are for “sassy” women. Her agent tells her she’s being considered for the role of the first black female astronaut, “but she’s sassy.” She’s being considered for the role of a deaf mute, “but she’s sassy.” You get the picture.
Wayans impersonates her smug Jehovah’s Witness father; her indomitably loving and creative mother; and her imposing, disdainful ballet teacher, all with wonderful humor. She fills the large stage set with her even larger personality, making use of her great talent for physical comedy.
Run, don’t walk, to see this show. Then let it wash over you — in waves of laughter and a few grateful tears. Wayans is the real deal.
Kim Wayans will perform A Handsome Woman Retreats at 3 p.m. Friday in the Loma Hopkins Theatre at Summit School, 2100 Reynolda Road. Tickets are $40 at the box office at the Benton Convention Center and at the theater before the show.
By Lynn Felder
Journal Reporter