For a lighthearted theatrical moment, one can’t go wrong choosing to spend time at the Horizon Theatre taking in ‘da Kink in My Hair.

With snappy musical numbers, catchy lyrics, funny bits as well as deeply moving moments, the play is almost guaranteed to leave audiences laughing constantly before dabbing tears from the corner of their eyes. It speaks a truth about the female experience—needs, hurts, desires, insecurities, achievements, worries and disappointment—packaged in a wildly entertaining, emotionally moving, fast-paced show.

The play evolves around a hair salon, the women working in it and the women stopping in to have their hair styled. Each time salon owner Novelette touches a woman’s hair, she learns what’s hiding behind the façade as the character reveals in song and verse her what she’s been through and is going through. Terry Burrell plays Novelette masterfully, delivering her lines and songs with a convincing Caribbean accent and serving as a kind of mistress of ceremonies directing the audience’s attention here and there throughout the show.

Director Thomas W. Jones II and music director/keyboardist S. Renee Clark get the most out of the 10-member all-female cast including Jeanete Illidge as Stacy-Ann, Marliss Amiea as Sharmaine, Jennifer Alice Acker as Suzy. Maiesha McQueen brilliantly transforms into the elderly Miss Enid who reveals her steamy liaison with an elderly neighbor in a hilarious number. 

The cast of ‘da Kink in My Hair perform one of many ensemble numbers in the show.

Throughout the performance the theater’s intimate structure is successfully utilized as performers frequently pass through the aisles to enter and exit scenes, even engaging audience members at one point.

‘da Kink in My Hair runs through Aug. 28. The Horizon Theatre is located at 1083 Austin Ave. NE in Atlanta. For more information, go to www.horizontheatre.com.

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