The Dance on Widow’s Row
by Samm-Art Williams
Directed by Ron Himes
The Black Rep
January 10, 2026
Velma Austin, Denise Thimes, Margery Handy, Tiffany Tenille
Photo: The Black Rep
The Black Rep is starting out the new year with dark comedy and a quartet of mysterious, scheming widows and their trepidatious suitors. Samm-Art Williams’s The Dance On Widow’s Row, directed by Ron Himes, explores relationships and aspirations with a sitcom-like flair and a memorable cast. Story and pacing-wise, it has its ups and downs, but this cast and crew make the most of the show and bring a host of larger-than-life characters and a great deal of laughter to the stage at WashU’s Edison Theatre.
The story follows four women who live on an upscale street in Port Town, NC nicknamed “Widow’s Row” by the locals because so many widowed women live there. The four featured here–led by the determined Magnolia (Denise Thimes)–have all been widowed at least once, and most more than once. Magnolia, twice widowed and looking for a new man, has invited her friends Simone (Velma Austin) and Lois (Margery Handy), and frenemy Annie (Tiffany Tenille) to a party at her home in which she has also invited some eligible local bachelors–Deacon Hudson (A.C. Smith), Newly Benson (Ron Himes, standing in for J. Samuel Davis), and Randolph Spears (Isaiah Di Lorenzo), with hopes of making romantic connections and also to dispel gossip and superstition that keeps men from wanting to date women who live on their street. All the women have their stories and secrets, with insinuations about what may or may not have happened to their late husbands, and the widows’ roles in those deaths. Also, the men have varying degrees of eagerness and/or fear in approaching the evening. The dynamics between the characters and the various clues as to underlying motives form the basis for much of the comedy.
The differing personalities also serve as a source for much of the humor, with the more sophisticated-minded Magnolia, the fame-focused actress Simone, the scheming Lois, and the initially stuffy, churchy Annie confide, clash, and conspire; while the optimistic Deacon, the nervous Newly, and the over-eager Randolph navigate their interactions with the various women. While the dialogue is sharp and well-structured, sometimes the timing seems a bit off, with beats between scenes being a bit longer than they should be, and some of the plot points can be a bit convoluted, but for the most part, it all plays out as some kind of fast-paced, ominously-toned sitcom, and all the players are on board with well-realized comic performances.
Thimes, Austin, and Handy are an especially strong trio, as the bond between their characters is made obvious in their portrayals. They each display strong comic timing and memorable characterizations. Tenille also has some strong moments as the initially stuffy but surprising Annie, but also comes across as a bit young for the role. There are also fine performances from the men, with Smith as a suave, even-tempered Deacon–who has a strong connection with Magnolia; Di Lorenzo in a hilarious turn as Randolph; and Himes in an impressive role as a fill-in who comes across as if he were meant to play the role all along. There’s a great deal of energy and ensemble connection here, and all the performers display presence and commitment to their roles.
The set by Tim Jones is richly appointed in keeping with the upper-class setting of the show, and the characters are all suitably outfitted by costume designer Brandin Vaughn in memorable garb that suits their personalities. There’s also fine work from lighting designer Sean Savoie and sound designer Kareem Deanes. It’s all in keeping with the general sitcom-like tone of the play.
Overall, The Dance on Widow’s Row is a lively way to continue the Black Rep’s season, and to start off the new year with a memorable, characterful vibe. It’s also a good showcase for some of the Black Rep’s “regular” performers. It’s a sharp and darkly humorous take on life, love, friendship and romantic competition.
Denise Thimes, A.C. Smith
Photo: The Black Rep
The Black Rep is presenting The Dance on Widow’s Row at Washington University’s Edison Theatre until January 25, 2026
Leave a Reply