by Maurice McCormick

Now, to be honest with you, all I could think about the last play I saw by Elizabeth Nonie, Jezebel Ain't Dead, was that it was off the hook and there was no way I was going to be blown away by another one. At best, I thought I would just like the play a little. Boy, how WRONG WAS I?! The Family Mess Expert is off the chain with its witty antics and strong message of communication and learning to let go, learning to accept the things you can't change and change the things you can.

The play starts off with a family meeting at the house of Mother Rose (played by the talented actress/comedienne Sugar Babe). In this interesting mix of family members, you have the siblings Charlene (played by Toni Lynice Fountain) and Monroe Jr. (played by the man himself, Jeremiah Glover), and their spouses and children. Married to sexy Charlene is the handsome Kevin (played by the talented Simeon "Simbo" Henderson), and their daughter, an aspiring veterinarian, is Charlotte (played by the beautiful, care-free sprit A.J. Curry). Monroe Jr. is married to the lovely southern bell Princess (played by the sexy vixen Rowkeena Lani Ellis), and their smart, achieving daughter is Rachel (played by the talented and beautiful LaToya Dotson).

The story quickly gets on its way as we find out that Kevin is a compulsive gambler and constantly spends the money intended for his family on his habits while Charlene, the loving wife, fights to stand by her husband's side, even though she knows his behavior is not right. And then you have Mother Rose who believes family business should stay within the family and should not be for the ears of outsiders.

Now the genius behind the writing of this play also gives us a quick glimpse into the life of Monroe Jr. and Princess. From what we can tell, Monroe Jr. is a very successful hard worker and super-smart business man who turned his inheritance into a gold mine. By his side is the very spoiled and pampered wife whom seems to love to rub the fact of their family's success into everyone else's face while, at the same time, she secretly competes for Mother Rose's love and acceptance. But the play turns on an interesting twist of events when you meet the nosey neighbor, Essie Pryor (played by the talented Elizabeth Nonie), who likes to stand on the front porch of the unsuspecting victims and "hear raised voices."

What I love about Essie Prayor is that she may have gossip but she tells all the business at once. In fact, at one point or another, everyone in the family tells her something about the family's dark secrets. She is a self-renowned "family mess expert," and her personal mission is to expose the truth of everyone. She even coins her own nickname, "Messy Essie". Her motto is that if you just confront your problems head-on, then you won't have secrets to hide from the world and there won't be a need for her.

Overall, the play was extremely funny and delivered a powerful message at the end. I would highly recommend that you go out to see this play. Therefore, once again, Elizabeth Nonie did not let me down with The Family Mess Expert---I have to rank this play a 5 out of 5 stars. Great job, cast! And don't you all forget to go out and see The Urban Relations playing on April 30th. Also, check out Plus Size Production's website at www.chicagoplaywrightelizabeth.com for the latest up-to-date information on current and future productions.