Courting Mayhem

Courting Mayhem
Theatre 4the People
IRT Theater
July 18, 2026 

Photo courtesy of Theatre 4the People

Theatre 4the People’s production of Courting Mayhem  is a high energy and emotionally engaging experience.  Playwright Syd Rushing’s rhythmic dialogue is masterfully crafted.  Director Cooper Howell keeps this play moving at a vigorous pace.  The cast portrays boldly driven characters, while building genuine relationships.  The opening scene, a basketball game, immediately engages the audience, while setting high expectations for the story that follows.  It is impeccably timed, phenomenally staged, and skillfully written.  

Trina Hollingsworth (played by Raven Jeanette) and Camille Rutherford (played by LaCrisha Brown) are fierce supporters of their basketball playing sons, Andre (played by Wilson Hernandez) and Jules (played by Chris Cook).  Their husbands, James (played by Omari “Sim” Miller) and Benny (played by Javere Green), are equally dedicated to getting their sons on the road to a sports scholarship and eventually the NBA.  When they meet the recruiter, Big Earl (played by Syd Rushing), he brutally explains the challenges and sacrifices that lie ahead for the families.  The parents unite in their determination to support their sons, until Big Earl breaks the news that only one of them will make it. 

Syd Rushing, Omari "Sim" Miller, Javere Green,
Raven Jeannette, & LaChrisha Brown

Raven Jeannette and LaChrisha Brown drive the action as Trina and Camille.  They are aggressively committed to their sons’ success, even though they are motivated by drastically different reasoning.  When partnered, they are a vivacious duo.  When pitted against one another, they are deadly.  Omari “Sim” Miller and Javere Green are constantly causing distraction as James and Benny.  They continually tug on the success of their sons and distract their wives from the job at hand.  Their efforts become obstacles in their wives’ focus.  Syd Rushing fuels their fires as Big Earl.  This character holds the key to success for the young basketball stars.  Mr. Rushing spreads this knowledge with menacing authority, upsetting the family structures and accepted norms.  Wilson Hernandez and Chris Cook are the heart of the story as Andre and Jules.  While their parents are losing all perspective over the opportunity presented to them, Mr. Hernandez and Mr. Cook keep it real.  The portrayal of their camaraderie keeps the audience aware that there are vulnerable young men involved in the overwhelming mayhem that builds when striving for financial success. 

Wilson Hernandez & Chris Cook
Photo courtesy of Theatre 4the People

In Act II, Andre and Jules compete to win the opportunity Big Earl is offering.  The first basketball scene of this competition is choreographed like a ballet... with a basketball.  It is seamlessly tied into the dialogue from both sets of parents, which heightens the action.  The second basketball competition is virtually still, placing the focus on the angst and desperation of the parents and the inner emotional conflict of the young men.  These scenes are brilliantly staged and beautifully directed.

The Theatre 4the People’s production of Counting Mayhem is playing at IRT Theater (154 Christopher Street) through August 1.  The rhythm of the dialogue, the pace of the action, and the drive of the characters draws the audience in from the first scene and delivers them to a compelling final moment.  It is a visceral experience.  Don’t miss it! 

Domenick Danza