The Last Temptation of Paula Deen

An interesting show that made me laugh and made me think - always a great combination. Sasha Harris was absolutely fabulous as a hilarious, larger-than-life, and yet fully sincerely vulnerable Paula Deen. Edward Alvarado, Korama Danquah, Tiffanee Hall, Tamika Katon-Donegal, and Wayne Scott play every other character in this story - an amazingly strong ensemble, who leaped from character to character,with beautiful commitment and momentum. (I do wish I had known which actor played which parts - there were no specific credits on the playbill or the website.) Fantastic performances all around! The play dealt intelligently with provocative themes through sharp, funny dialogue. The structure of the play didn't quite work for me. I'd love ... full review

This is a "must see" show full of hilarious comedy and fantastic performances! Leading the way is "Paula", masterfully crafted and portrayed by Sasha Harris. Taking the audience through the real life chapters of Paula's history up to and including last years' tearful apology for what became her fall from grace. Harris handles every scene with great comedic timing, physical humor and includes us all in the fun! Every cast member connects with laugh-out-loud memorable characters and moral dilemmas that will have you talking long after the show ends. ... full review

This play was extremely thought provoking and it really pushes the envelope in exploring uncomfortable topics such as racism and hypocrisy. The writing was outstanding and clever and the directing and acting were all great, as well. Even if one only knows about the scandal involving Ms. Deen in 2013, this play takes you on a journey on the back story (behind the scenes), of the scandal. It explores the complicated and conflicted person Ms. Deen is, while ultimately forcing us all to face our own possible prejudices and hypocrisy. Great play!... full review

Saw Paula Deen opening night and enjoyed it tremendously. This satire is defined by two elements, IMO: 1) The multi-playwright writing process from which this was created results a sort of barely-controlled chaos onstage. Sometimes it works - the performers are game and all-in, and there are lot of layers from which great pleasure can be derived - it's often simultaneously funny and borderline tragic. Sometimes, though, it doesn't work - it was difficult to locate and lock on the POV and central theme, and the chorus's role in Paula's journey was very fuzzy. All this is balanced, however, by: 2) Sasha Harris as Paula Deen. Whenever the play starts to come apart a little, pulled apart by its seemingly uncontrollable entropy, Sasha's got... full review

I learned a lot of things about Our Lady of Southern Cooking when I saw this show. Using Paula Dean as the subject of this play brought forth some very interesting reflections on problems in our society including race, class, dysfunctional families, sexuality, and unhealthy food, all delivered on a platter of over the top farcical, zany, and frenetic antics. The writing and acting is strong, I just wish there was more variety in the delivery. The characters mug their way through outrageous scenes and everything is very BIG and LOUD. Like one long Saturday Night Live skit, the goings-on are all very chaotic, and comical, with little time for anyone to catch his breath. To its credit, the play is highly entertaining, and the commentary is ce... full review

A funny, biting satire that manages to be moving and hilarious all at the same time. A definite must see by a group of talented playwrights ... full review

Paula Deen (aka Sasha Harris) was extraordinary. She was the glue of the show and mesmerized me. What a fabulous actress. The supporting cast was excellent and the entire play was filled with humor, angst, current thoughts about the state of the world and just plain, delicious like Paula's food! Thank you for an excellent Sunday afternoon.... full review

I was utterly entertained and pleasantly surprised by this production. It was witty. It was smart. It was funny. The pace kept things moving and I swear there was never a dull moment. This production is far greater than the mere critical analysis of Paula Deen, but represents a deeper look at how Southern culture can still remain a contradiction to the country's delusion of "post-racial America." Now that articles are talking about processed food being the obesity culprit and NOT butter, Paula Deen will still have a place, at least, in the kitchen. This production made me think and that is what I ultimately go to the theatre to do - and be entertaine... full review