From Burbank B-Movies to Family Bonds: A Look at Unexpected Family

Right then, let's look at this script, shall we? Reading a play is always a different experience from seeing it realised on stage, but a strong piece often reveals its potential even on the page. James A. Goins's Unexpected Family certainly offers much to consider.

One approaches a new script with anticipation, hoping to find characters that breathe and a story that resonates. In James A. Goins' Unexpected Family, one finds a rather potent premise grounded in contemporary anxieties and timeless questions about kinship and identity. The play introduces us to Beatrice “GiGi Bea” Holloway, a Burbank-based former B-movie actress of a certain age, whose meticulously curated, if somewhat faded, world is irrevocably disrupted by the arrival of her great-granddaughters, Eliana and Meekah. The catalyst is tragedy—the sudden death of their parents, Beatrice's estranged grandson, Michael, and his wife, Denise. The central dramatic twist, revealed almost immediately, is that Beatrice had no idea her great-granddaughters are Black, a fact Michael had deliberately concealed.

From this compelling starting point, the play unfolds as a study in collision – generational, cultural, and emotional. Its primary strength lies in the exploration of this unexpected, makeshift family navigating profound grief while simultaneously grappling with unearthed secrets and ingrained prejudices. The dialogue, particularly between the three central women, often crackles with authenticity. Nineteen-year-old Eliana’s guarded practicality and sharp wit provide a compelling foil to fifteen-year-old Meekah’s artistic sensitivity and cautious hope, while Beatrice’s journey from dramatic shock through awkward adjustments towards genuine connection forms the play’s emotional core.

Goins people the world around them effectively. Phillip, the neighbourly friend, serves as a crucial voice of reason and empathy, while the rival actress Dorothy embodies the casual, ingrained prejudice Beatrice must confront both in society and within herself. The scenes within Beatrice’s acting workshop offer moments of both humour and thematic reinforcement, allowing Beatrice (and the audience) to process the unfolding drama through the lens of theatrical parallels, particularly her work on A Raisin in the Sun. The integration of music, specifically Meekah’s original song "Skybound" – later revealed to have roots in her father’s own creativity – provides a poignant and powerful through-line, representing legacy, grief, and healing.

If there are minor weaknesses when encountering the play purely on the page, they are perhaps structural rather than fundamental. Some of the secondary characters, particularly within the acting group, feel sketched rather than fully drawn in the text provided, though their purpose in reflecting and challenging Beatrice is clear. Additionally, while Dorothy's arc towards acceptance and generosity is dramatically satisfying, its progression might feel somewhat rapid in a cold reading; its full conviction would undoubtedly rely on a nuanced performance. These are, however, small points in a work that is largely engaging and emotionally resonant.

James initially started writing the play in 2024 for actors at Theatre West in Los Angeles as a homage to many of the members who have had long and storied careers in theatre. There simply isn't many roles being written for our Grey Warriors. In an industry where many actors past the age of 60 or 70 often find themselves sidelined due to ageism, James's work highlights the invaluable contributions of seasoned performers. I sincerely hope James continues to explore his craft in this direction, as there is much gold to be mined in the stories and experiences of these talented individuals, leading to discoveries that can enrich the lives of young and old in the theatrical landscape.

Rating: 9/10

Recommendations for Producers and Theatres:

• Audience: Unexpected Family should resonate strongly with audiences seeking contemporary family dramas that tackle significant themes – grief, identity, race, prejudice, intergenerational connection – with both humour and sensitivity. It offers meaty roles and relatable conflicts that should appeal to a broad adult audience.
  

• Venues/Producers: The play's single setting (Beatrice’s Burbank home) makes it a practical choice for mid-scale venues or smaller houses with strong technical capabilities. It's an excellent ensemble piece, offering particularly strong, complex roles for three women at different stages of life (late 70s white woman, late teens/young adult Black women). It also requires a sensitive director and cast capable of navigating the nuanced emotional and racial dynamics with authenticity and care. The role of music is integral and offers creative opportunities for sound design and performance.
  

In conclusion, reading Unexpected Family reveals a play with considerable heart and thematic weight. It poses difficult questions about family, legacy, and the courage required to bridge divides, both internal and external. With sensitive handling and strong performances, it promises a moving and thought-provoking experience in the theatre.