SIZZLE INTO SUMMER: FULL CAST & CREATIVE TEAM ANNOUNCEDSizzle into summer with The Human Race Theatre Company’s production of THE HOT WING KING—Katori Hall’s Pulitzer Prize–winning, laugh-out-loud comedy with heart. As the final production in The Human Race’s 40th anniversary season, this modern family dramedy brings big flavor, bigger stakes, and a whole lot of love to The Loft Theatre.
It’s time for Memphis, Tennessee’s annual “Hot Wang Festival,” and Cordell Crutchfield is determined to take the crown. With his partner Dwayne and their tight-knit culinary crew (The New Wing Order) at his side, Cordell is seasoning, saucing, and frying his way toward victory. But when Dwayne takes in his troubled nephew E.J., the competition at home turns as heated as the oil—and Cordell realizes a trophy isn’t the only thing he could lose.
“There is something healing about laughing in the same room with your neighbors. THE HOT WING KING brings joy but it also brings real tenderness,” said Emily N. Wells, Artistic Director. “Katori’s gem of a play celebrates chosen family – the people who show up for us, feed us, challenge us, and love us anyway.”
A special community conversation with the director, Darnell Pierre Benjamin, Artistic Director Emily N. Wells, and Dayton Metro Library Community Impact Specialist Jordan Ostrum, and Human Race Engagement and Learning Coordinator Tiffany Countryman will be held on May 21, 2026 from 5-7pm at the Main Library.
Creative team: Making their directing debut at The Human Race, Darnell Pierre Benjamin leads the production with Tamara L. Honesty (scenic design), Mike Gaynor (lighting design), Kelsey Gallagher (lighting design advisor), Darryl Harris (costume design), Derek Graham (sound design), Sarah Gomes (props design), Isabella Myers (stage manager), and Ana Sofia Gomez (assistant stage manager).
Cast: Resident artists Andrew Ian Adams (Cordell Crutchfield) and Rico Romalus Parker (T.J.) are joined by Eustace J. Williams (Dwayne), R. DeAndré Smith (Big Charles), Je’Shaun Jackson (Isom), and Wright State University student Rogerick Fields (E.J.).
THE HOT WING KING plays in the Loft Theatre in downtown Dayton, June 3–14, 2026. Tickets are on sale now through the Dayton Live box office (937-228-3630) or online at www.humanracetheatre.org.
The Human Race Theatre Company continues its commitment to high-quality theatre with access points for all: two sections of $20 seats are available at any time through the box office, and ten $10 rush seats are released 60 minutes before each performance (subject to availability).
Special Nights at The Loft (details subject to change):
- Pay What You Can: Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 7:30pm – Final Dress Rehearsal to support PFLAG Dayton & The Foodbank
- Inside Track: Thursday, June 4, 2026, 6:45pm – Pre-show Discussion
- While We’re On The Subject: Sunday, June 7, 2026, 2pm – Post Show Discussion
- $10 Sawbuck Sunday: Sunday, June 7, 2026, 7:30pm – $10 tickets starting at 6:00pm
- Parent’s Day Out: Sunday, June 14, 2026, 2pm – Kids Activities (5–12yo)
- While We’re On The Subject: Sunday, June 14, 2026, 2pm – Post Show Discussion
The Human Race Theatre Company expresses gratitude for the public and private support which makes these productions possible: Loft Season Sponsor: Jack W. and Sally D. Eichelberger Foundation. Sustainability Sponsors: Steve and Lou Mason, The Toulmin Fund at The Dayton Foundation. Additional Season support: Erma R. Catterton Trust, Funds at The Dayton Foundation, Virginia F. Kettering Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, Charles D. Berry Foundation, Sam Levin Foundation, and Pizza Factory. Organizational support: Culture Works, Montgomery County, Ohio Arts Council. Media Sponsor: WDPR Discover Classical. Pay What You Can Sponsor: Enterprise Holdings Foundation. Capital Support: The Schiewetz Foundation, The Dayton Foundation, The Toulmin Fund at The Dayton Foundation, Oakwood Rotary.
###
Behind the Curtain Cincinnati 