Beyond the Wig – A Stage Review

Beyond the Wig – A Stage Review

Presented by Faith Productions and Johnny LIVE Productions

Written by Sabrina Thomas | Directed by Christopher “Johnny” Daley

Reviewed by Bekelé for The Beat

Beyond the Wig, a timely Theatrical effort,  is a collaboration  with Faith Productions and Johnny LIVE Productions, stands out as an engaging addition to the Jamaican theater scene. An introduction of new work, New talents and bubbling theatrical promise. Directed by the seasoned Christopher “Johnny” Daley and written by the multi-talented Sabrina Thomas, this production delves deep into social commentary while delivering humor, heart, and a compelling narrative.

Set in the historic community of August Town, the production aptly captures the essence of the early 2000s, using thoughtful technical choices like period-specific music to set the tone. The set design was one of the better  elements of the work  that effectively used  the Johnny’s Place intimate theater space to draw the audience into the world of the characters.  Lighting and sound further enhance the atmosphere, although minor details, like a slightly unrealistic prop, momentarily break the immersion.

Under Christopher “Johnny” Daley’s direction, the play moves with cohesion and clarity. Daley’s deep understanding of comedic rhythm, timing, and character-driven storytelling is evident. His approach allows for both vulnerability and levity, without losing the weight of the story. Though there’s room to push further with bolder stylistic risks, his seasoned hand ensures the show feels authentic and culturally specific a production built on sincerity, not spectacle.

The cast delivers solid performances, with Sabrina Thomas as Grandma emerging as the strongest. She brings warmth, wit, and a steady handling of the role that anchors the production. While not a tour de force, her range is more than evident she navigates shifts in tone with ease, moving between comedy and gravity with natural rhythm. Overall, Thomas delivers a confident and commendable performance that holds the show together and gives it heart.

Duncan Ellis, as Tafari, brings some interesting moments to the stage and offers notable comedic flair. His portrayal carries just enough charisma to shape a lovable, slick-tongued character who straddles the line between opportunist and misguided youth. While his energy resonates well with the audiences, the performance struggles with emotional depth, particularly in more layered moments.

Leticia Parkes, as Daisy, presents a character navigating identity confusion shaped by inherited trauma.  She brings presence and potential to the role, her performance remains somewhat surface-level, lacking the nuance that might have made the character more impactful. Both actors contributed meaningfully to the ensemble’s cohesion and showed clear promise, but their performances ultimately remain within a safe, developing range.

Junior Williams stands out in his portrayal of Gussie, the troubled antagonist. His performance could not be missed, bringing both intensity and upward pace to the piece. Though his time onstage is limited, he made an impression that added depth to the narrative and balanced the ensemble with some grit and realism.

The production’s technical choices, from set layout to sound and lighting design, successfully evoke early-2000s Jamaica. The stage was effectively transformed into a believable August Town home. The music selections added nostalgia and thematic depth. A few technical inconsistencies like a prop gun held together with visible tape momentarily disrupted immersion, but overall, the execution was solid and purposeful.

Beyond the Wig is a show that grows on you. It’s not flashy or overproduced, it’s intimate, sincere, and rooted in truth. What makes it special is the chemistry of the cast, the relevance of the story, and the balance between entertainment and message.

The play’s real achievement is that it opens up necessary conversations around gender identity, generational trauma, and societal roles without feeling didactic.

If you’re looking for something Jamaican, meaningful, and honestly told, Beyond the Wig delivers.

Final Verdict: A must-see. Bold themes, bright talent, and a heartbeat that stays with you.The humor lands with some precision, and by the final curtain, the audience is left with meaningful food for thought. 

We are watching something important grow.