by Cari Lynn Pace

Playwright Robert O’Hara’s Bootcandy is a series of semi-autobiographical vignettes that take place on a bare stage (or a minimalist set), each delivering a biting and often hilarious look at supposedly real encounters throughout his life as a black gay person from childhood to present day. It’s definitely outrageous, often quite raunchy, sometimes silly, and very entertaining. Left Edge Theatre has a production at The California in Santa Rosa through Nov. 23.

The five actors playing multiple and frequently unnamed roles were terrific and clearly had a blast with their fast-talking characters. Director Serena Elize Flores kept their energy moving with quick changes.   

Tajai Britten opens the show as a child who pesters his mama (Lexus Fletcher). Why does she call his dick bootycandy?

Then there’s a head-wagging and bespeckled preacher (Jonathen Blue) who goes off the good book once his sermon fizzles out. Blue displays true comedic talent in his impersonation at the pulpit. Later he dons a ridiculous wig and heels which he milks for silliness.

Two women friends (Fletcher and Shanay Howell) are on the phone. They’re at odds because the very-pregnant woman intends to name her daughter “Genitalia.” She can’t be talked out of it, despite another friend (Blue in drag) chiming in. Simply hilarious!

Bootycandy contains several scenes with definitely X-rated themes and conversations. Some in the audience laughed uproariously while others looked on. These hard-core scenes might be referred to as “Deep Throat” in the first act and “Truth or Dare” in the second. Be warned or be offended, but don’t bring the kids.

The lone actor in the talented cast who is not a person of color is Dana Hunt. His powerful soliloquy facing down a demanding street mugger was delivered to great applause.

Possibly the best-received scene in the show was an official “non-commitment” ceremony between two lesbians who now disavow their marriage vows. In a spiteful restatement of their intentions and grabbing of one another’s wedding rings, the audience howled with laughter. How many “exes” relate to such a ceremony?

There were several other vignettes, all performed with style and rapidity. Bootycandy may not be for everyone’s diet, but it’s a tasty bit of fun.  

Bootycandy plays at The California, 528 7th Street, Santa Rosa, through November 23.

Click HERE for more info and tickets.

Photos by David Minard

Cari Lynn Pace is a long-time Bay Area theatre critic whose reviews were regularly featured in the Marinscope Community Newspapers.