TWISTED – Theatre West
Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
In this world of complexity where the numerous dangers await our children, mother Scilla Claroe (Chrystal Yvonne Jackson), an African American woman is desperately trying to reach her son Jason Abernathy (Isaiah Frazilus), who is showing no signs of wanting to have his mother participate in his life affairs. At the same time, we see him playing chess at the beginning of the play, with Renton Downey (Monty Renfrow), who later becomes an inmate on the dead row, because of the mass shooting on the college campus. Oddly enough, the mother interviews Renton for her new book and finds out that her son could have been murdered with his teammates. The actors are playing off each other well, getting into emotions with ease.
Written by Chris DiGiovanni and directed by Marc Antonio Pritchett, the play is taking us into the dark waters of the world today. ‘This play started with an image of two men playing chess on a college campus bench and I was instantly curious about who they were and what this play could be about,’ says the playwright, ‘At the same time, I wanted to tackle a play about a troubled mother and son relationship at its center, and I had to find a way to bring these three characters together in an intriguing way.’
Produced by Garry Kluger & Theatre West, assistant to the director is Mimi Kmet. Scenic design is done by Audrey Szot, Lighting Design is G. Kluger, D. Moore, Sound design is Marc Pritchett, Costume design is by Michael Mullen and set design is by G. Kluger, Ernest McDaniel. Public relations is Philip Sokolov.
Established in 1962, Theatre West is celebrating its 64th year as the oldest continually running professional theatre company in the city of Los Angeles. It is a membership collective of actors, playwrights, directors, and technicians.
Produced by Garry M. Kluger for the Theatre West Writers-in-Residence program, the run of the show is from April 3 – May 3, 2026 on Friday and Saturday at 8:00 pm, Sunday at 3:00, at Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. West, in Los Angeles, CA 90068. Admission is $30 online, $40 at the door. Reservations can be done at (323) 851-4839. Online ticketing is at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/twisted-tickets-1984509665832