| THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS A Murder Mystery Done Hip-Hop Style by Linda Armstrong |
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"Cooking the Books: A Recipe for Murder" is an unusual, light-hearted experience. The play
utilizes scenes captured on film and live actors to share a murder mystery. The dialogue
and songs are done with a hip hop rhythm.
Written, composed and directed by African-American Jacqueline Hankins, who also plays
Kenya Johnson, the wife of one of the characters, "Cooking the Books" tells the story of
corrupt stockbrokers at a brokerage firm. From the beginning of the 50-minute production,
they are panicking because they are going to be investigated by the Feds. The owner of
the firm, Harold Johnson (played by Angel Martinez), decides to make a new employee the
fall guy. While he schemes on the staff member, his other employees are scheming on him.
His murder starts the mystery ball rolling. And that ball rolls over anyone who poses a threat
to the corrupt brokerage employees.
The play can be very funny at times. One scene which will have you laughing is when
Abigail Morris, an attorney (played by Anna Hill), argues with Kenya Johnson, the widow of
the murdered man. Comparing notes on their lives, they sing the hilarious song, "Bitch, I'm
Better Than You." Many of the show's laughs are also derived through overly dramatic and
prolonged facial expressions held on the actors in the filmed scenes.
The story line is light and is obviously meant to be strictly entertaining.
If you scrutinize it, there are several clear holes. For example, though it is revealed to the
audience who was behind Johnson's murder, it is never explained how his wife finds out and
has the guilty parties put in prison.
"Cooking the Books" features an all minority cast which also includes Ann Estill, Erika
Staples and on-screen-only actors Mykeko E. Bryant, Leroy Hankins, Stephen Robinson
and Loretta Poole.
The show only plays Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Jacqueline Hankins meets and
talks with the audience before and after the show. "Cooking the Books: A Recipe for
Murder" is playing at the Playwright Tavern & Restaurant on Eighth Avenue between 45th
and 46th Streets in Manhattan through August 29. The restaurant offers a special brunch
menu at an additional charge and you can eat while watching the show.
utilizes scenes captured on film and live actors to share a murder mystery. The dialogue
and songs are done with a hip hop rhythm.
Written, composed and directed by African-American Jacqueline Hankins, who also plays
Kenya Johnson, the wife of one of the characters, "Cooking the Books" tells the story of
corrupt stockbrokers at a brokerage firm. From the beginning of the 50-minute production,
they are panicking because they are going to be investigated by the Feds. The owner of
the firm, Harold Johnson (played by Angel Martinez), decides to make a new employee the
fall guy. While he schemes on the staff member, his other employees are scheming on him.
His murder starts the mystery ball rolling. And that ball rolls over anyone who poses a threat
to the corrupt brokerage employees.
The play can be very funny at times. One scene which will have you laughing is when
Abigail Morris, an attorney (played by Anna Hill), argues with Kenya Johnson, the widow of
the murdered man. Comparing notes on their lives, they sing the hilarious song, "Bitch, I'm
Better Than You." Many of the show's laughs are also derived through overly dramatic and
prolonged facial expressions held on the actors in the filmed scenes.
The story line is light and is obviously meant to be strictly entertaining.
If you scrutinize it, there are several clear holes. For example, though it is revealed to the
audience who was behind Johnson's murder, it is never explained how his wife finds out and
has the guilty parties put in prison.
"Cooking the Books" features an all minority cast which also includes Ann Estill, Erika
Staples and on-screen-only actors Mykeko E. Bryant, Leroy Hankins, Stephen Robinson
and Loretta Poole.
The show only plays Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Jacqueline Hankins meets and
talks with the audience before and after the show. "Cooking the Books: A Recipe for
Murder" is playing at the Playwright Tavern & Restaurant on Eighth Avenue between 45th
and 46th Streets in Manhattan through August 29. The restaurant offers a special brunch
menu at an additional charge and you can eat while watching the show.
