Phylicia Rashad Directs New Stage Play ‘Immediate Family’

Nothing can quite compare to the night when you bring your significant other to meet your family, especially at a family reunion. But try being the middle son who brings his Swedish boyfriend home in that exact scenario. Good luck. That’s where “Immediate Family” really starts to sizzle up some living room tension.

Newly written by Paul Oakley Stovall, “Immediate Family” is one of Stovall’s many successes. Writing since the young age of 16, when his first volume of poetry was published, Stovall took off running. Spitting out play after play, his work started getting noticed, and even more importantly, produced. His plays have found their way to stages all over the country. Using his many talents, Stovall is also an accomplished actor whose skill has been seen on the stages of numerous cities. Aside from his artistic abilities, Stovall serves as a White House Advance Associate to the Obama administration.

With a top of the line cast, “Immediate Family” is under the direction of Phylicia Rashad, commonly recognized as Clair Huxtable from “The Cosby Show.” An accomplished actress and director, Rashad has frequented the Broadway stage and found herself in many iconic roles, both in the theatre and on the screen. Receiving countless awards for her academic strength and support for the arts, Rashad’s graceful wit will be seen all through this production.

“Immediate Family” has been referenced to a “Modern Family” meeting “Soul Food,” as core family values and opinions are heavily stated throughout this rambunctious showdown. Extremely relevant to today’s social politics, “Immediate Family” drives the ties between family members in a grappling confrontation. What is stronger? What lasts longer? All these questions will be brought forth as the Bryant family comes to terms with one son’s true feelings.

Following multiple performances, Center Theatre Group will be hosting their Post Show Download Series, giving audience members and artists from the show an environment to discuss properly the general reactions to the play and the societal differences in our world today.

“Immediate Family” is at the Mark Taper Forum from April 22 through June 7. Tickets available online.