Review: 'Sweat' by Harlequin Productions 

Rachel Benton

Before seeing Harlequin Productions (HQP) Bold Voices Series presentation of “Sweat,” I had the opportunity to speak with cast member Teri Lee Thomas, who expanded my understanding of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Lynn Nottage.  

For people who have not heard of the Bold Voices Series, it is a selection of play readings that HQP presents each season. These plays are often “newer or edgier work that wouldn’t normally get a chance on the mainstage," according to HQP.

Truly unlike anything I witnessed before, "Sweat" was incredibly raw — containing so many emotions and overlapping historical and modern contexts that it gave my mind, heart and spirit the workout it needed. With all this complexity, the story was still accessible and easy to follow and understand, which is one of the many reasons it deserves all the awards it has received.  

"Sweat" can be summed up by one of its most profound lines: “It is the human cost of making a crappy product.”

Dissecting this line, it looks at what happens to individuals, their families and friendships when costs rise, budgets are cut, and the economy is inflated. Take away a couple of key time markers, and this story could really take place at any point in American history.  

Tensions rise, hatred spreads faster than an epidemic, and an overstimulated population begins to blame the first person that comes to mind finding some way to stabilize their psyches. The “American Dream” is just that — a dream, an illusion. "Sweat" is reality.  

HQP created an incredible ensemble, including director Brian Tyrrell, that not only meets the demands and high expectations of the script, but ventures beyond and into a space that forcefully knocks on the doors of our hearts and demands entry. 

Each member of the cast deserves their own round of applause, and it is my honor to give it to them.  

Praises for the cast

A round of applause begins with Jalen Penn, whose compassionate yet fierce presence on stage established the tone of the play. Playing a very different role, Andrea Weston-Smart carried a maternal quality and a determination that was inspiring. After a promotion, Weston-Smart’s character Cynthia is put in a role where she ends up becoming the sort of face of everything going wrong.  

Both Weston-Smart and Penn navigated complicated ground, holding goodwill toward all and righteous indignation in both hands. 

Recognize the name Helen Harvester? She has starred in many HQP productions in addition to her work as director of marketing and communications. I have seen a few of her productions, and it is almost an understatement to call her iconic. With truly diverse capabilities, she brings so much nuance to every character she plays, including the ambitious and sassy Tracey, who I think is the most recognizable character in our everyday lives. 

After performing in HQP’s “Rent” last year, Delvin James returned to the HQP stage to play Chris in "Sweat." His depiction of Chris was vulnerable, secretly sweet, thoughtful and emotionally dynamic. James made a great stage partner because he was deeply engaged in everything everyone else was doing. Barely looking at the script, James was in the moment, and he drew everyone in.   

Thomas made me feel all the feelings in her performance as Jessie. I laughed, I cried, I felt compassion and a lack of it. Thomas went the extra mile in her performance by bringing some physical humor to her scenes. The way she depicted a sloppy drunken Jessie had a quality that I could not pinpoint until the end of the performance.

You know who she reminded me of? Lucille Ball during her “I Love Lucy” days. She will be returning to HQP for “Our Town” in October (click here to read all about it). 

Caleb Ross was commanding on stage as Jason. Initially, because of Nottage’s description of Jason’s white supremacist and neo-Nazi facial and neck tattoos, it was hard to want to see his character’s perspective. In a different way, Melvin Rouse Jr. had a similar challenge in playing Brucie, who struggled with addiction and whose actions almost reaped more consequences on others than himself.  

Both Ross and Rouse certainly didn’t attempt to make their characters heroes, but their complex emotions invited us into a deeper analysis of people we are often tempted to stereotype.  

Scott C. Brown’s Stan and Kai Sale’s Oscar were reminiscent of the bartenders you would find in iconic shows like “Cheers.” Both of their natural warmth created a stable ground that helped everyone thrive. Each displayed an emotional complexity that proved even the most seemingly simple people are still complicated. 

There are many more profound, perspective altering performances coming to HQP next season, including other selections for the Bold Voices Series. Click here to read about the 2027 season. 

Rachel is a writer, arts advocate, performing arts enthusiast, and passionate about our beloved Thurston County. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in History and Political Science and minor in Music. You can enjoy more of Rachel's writings by visiting her website. All inquiries for Rachel can be submitted here.