"Nollywood Dreams," the comedy on stage at the Pennsylvania Playhouse through April 24, is a light-hearted and frothy look at the burgeoning film industry in Lagos, Nigeria in the 1990s.
The small, but engaging cast make this new play by Jocelyn Bioh, fun and memorable.
The broad plot seems to humorously mimic the style of Nigerias film industry with its straight-to-video films featuring soap opera stories, low budgets and attractive actresses.
Nigerian director Gbenga Ezie, played with just the right hint of duplicity by Justin Ferguson, has just returned to his home country after a not-so-successful stint in the United States, and plans to shoot his new film, "The Comfort Zone" in Lagos.
In search of publicity, he decides to hold an open call for actresses to play the lead role of Comfort.
Meanwhile, working in their parents travel agency, sisters Ayamma and Dede are restless and distracted. Ayamma dreams of getting her big break as an actress, while Dede reads fan magazines and gossips at the local salon where she obsesses over "Days of Our Lives." So when Ayamma hears about the open call, there is no doubt she is going to audition.
As the determined Ayamma, Zaira Savanna Berry is vibrant, smart and self-assured, no matter what she comes up against. As Dede, Leka Makenzie is feisty and funny, especially when she moons over her celebrity crush. Berry and Makenzie have great chemistry and are believable as sisters, both squabbling and supportive.
The leading man in "The Comfort Zone" is Wale Owusu who has been named the sexiest man in Nigeria. Johnathan Carters Walle is authentic and likable, and he reels you in when he takes a genuine shine to Ayamma.
However, also vying for the role is one-time star Fayola Ogunleye, who has a history with the director and isnt above resorting to blackmail to get what she wants. Denay White makes Fayola cooly relentless and tenacious, even hanging on after a surprise plot twist.
Stealing every scene she is in, is Florence Taylor as Adenikeh the "Nigerian Oprah Winfrey," who hosts a daytime talk show. Taylor is hilariously over-the-top as the flamboyant host whose show is marked by her gossipy interviewing style and humorous mugging. Taylor also made all of Adenikehs eye-catching and colorful African outfits.
First time director Winter Pordy, keeps the production flowing seamlessly as the actors move around on Brett Oliveiras three-scened set which encompasses Ayamma and Dedes travel agency office; the production studio and the set for Adenikehs show.
Delightfully capping the show is the trailer for "The Comfort Zone" which provides the production with a comical coda.
"Nollywood Dreams" performances are 7:30 p.m. April 8-9 and 22-23; and 3 p.m. April 10 and 24 at the playhouse, 390 Illicks Mill Rd. There are no shows Easter weekend April 15-17.
The playhouse is requesting that all patrons wear a mask and observe social distancing.
Tickets are $25 for adults; $22 for seniors and $15 for students.
For information, go to www.paplayhouse.org, or call 610-865-6665.