Pulitzer Prize Winning "Clyde's" Now Showing at Goodman Theatre

(L-R) Nedra Snipes as Letitia, Garrett Young as Jason, Reza Salazar as Rafael and Kevin Kenerly as Montrellous in Lynn Nottage's "Clyde's" at Goodman Theatre Photo: Liz Lauren

​Clyde’s, the second Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Lynn Nottage, is a must-see production now showing at Goodman Theatre after a successful Broadway run.

Clyde’s, a truck stop that bears the owner’s name, has a kitchen staff consisting solely of formerly incarcerated individuals trying to get back on their feet. They end up working at the cafe due to limited employment options resulting from a system that does not allow ex-cons to re-enter society as full citizens. Clyde, also an ex-con, is the boss from hell. She takes a one-sided approach with an abrasiveness that cuts deeper than the sharpest of knives and cracks a proverbial whip that stings worse than anything. The employees have high hopes for restoration, but Clyde’s words and actions have a way of dampening their spirits.

Through it all, the non-stop antics in Clyde’s kitchen keep the audience laughing hysterically. While confined within the small space, members of the kitchen staff receive a heavy helping of valuable lessons that could be the recipe for better living. Yet, discouragement coming from all directions and conflict within cause hopelessness and resistance to change.

(L-R) Reza Salazar as Rafael, Danielle Davis as Clyde and Nedra Snipes as Letitia in Lynn Nottage's "Clyde's" at Goodman Theatre Photo: Liz Lauren

“We’ve all done things we’re not proud of, but we’re not bound by our mistakes.” This quote from the show accurately sums it up. Despite their past transgressions, each character has something special to bring to the table. Is it possible to find harmony and create the perfect sandwich, or will the mixture of their respective ingredients clash?

The show runs through October 16, 2022, at Goodman Theatre, located at 170 N. Dearborn Street in Chicago. Tickets are available at https://www.goodmantheatre.org/Clydes.