Angry, Raucous, and Shamelessly Gorgeous Reviews

Los Angeles Times- Somewhat Recommended

"...Cleage’s play, it must be said, is hamstrung with exposition. More time is devoted to setting up the dramatic situation than to activating it. Author of “Blues for an Alabama Sky,” a 1995 abortion drama still ahead of its time, Cleage is telling a backstage story that’s clearly close to home. She’s also spinning an intergenerational tale of Black women groping past their initial distrust to a deeper understanding of what they have in common."

Stage Scene LA- Highly Recommended

"...Generations clash to laughter-and-thought-provoking effect in the sensational Los Angeles Premiere of Pearl Cleage’s Angry, Raucous, and Shamelessly Gorgeous, now dazzling and delighting audiences at the Geffen Playhouse."

TheaterMania- Recommended

"...Angry, Raucous, and Shamelessly Gorgeous, now running at the Geffen Playhouse, has an intriguing premise and a talented cast. A comedy about women’s place in the African American movement , Pearl Cleage’s play misses its targets for much of its 100-minute runtime—until it’s jolted to life by a tantalizing performance from Olivia Washington. When Washington’s character, Pete, takes center stage, she revitalizes the entire ensemble and finally gives the evening grit and substance."

Stage Raw- Recommended

"...Under its lightheartedness, Angry is surprisingly philosophical. Cleage has a lot to say about Black identity, old school feminism, and the struggle of women, especially those of a certain age, in a male-dominated industry. Yet the piece is lumbered by faulty exposition and an antic plot that overstates the case."

Larchmont Buzz- Highly Recommended

"...Playwright Pearl Cleage takes on fame, aging, sisterhood, and August Wilson in Angry, Raucous, and Shamelessly Gorgeous, now onstage at the Geffen Playhouse. It’s a fun and thoughtful perspective that provides a deeply satisfying emotional payoff for its richly painted characters."

The Hollywood Times- Highly Recommended

"...Pearl Cleage’s Angry, Raucous, and Shamelessly Gorgeous arrives at the Geffen Playhouse as a funny, fearless, big-hearted examination of art, activism, aging, ambition, and the complicated work of making room for the next generation. Directed with sleek confidence by LaTanya Richardson Jackson, this Los Angeles premiere gives four exceptional performers the space to spar, reflect, laugh, wound, and ultimately find common ground."