In When We Practice to Deceive Reginal T, Jackson has given audiences a very enjoyable one act, kitchen sink theater piece. It seems that the play is biographical which is interesting because it is also universal. That is a rare combination. Of course, not everyone has to worry about whether their transgender fiancée is going to be accepted by their homophobic, Southern Babtist mother, but the story of marrying someone out of one’s cultural base and fear of familial rejection is very, very common. Jackson has written the story with the gentleness that allows audience to know that everything actually did work out with mutual acceptance and respect. Not exactly what an audience would expect to be the result, but Jackson’s writing rings with reality. The play itself deserves additional productions.

What was not as good was the production on stage at The Wild Project. Chetan Rao (Diamond), Amiere A. Bell (Bartender) and Jasmyn Green (Beth Rodriguez) displayed the professionalism one would expect and helped elevate the production with their work in minor roles. Sunna Bee as Lady Jasmine brought enthusiasm and commitment to her role as the transgender fiancée  used to experiencing discrimination and rejection. Although, fairly inexperinced her future seems bright. But Maddoux as Kevin Cooper was unable to be convincing and his projection skills need serious work. Yvetter Dingwall as Mrs. Martha Cooper brought an emotional understanding of her role to her work and her tone was always spot on, but still being on book in the thrid show of the run is not acceptable.

Director Kubbi did a solid job of placing her actors on stage, but her scene transitions were painfully slow. This is especially noticeable because almost every scene makes use of the same location and the same set. She has a fairly recent certificate in directing from Yale but, although that still that still opens doors, the School of Drama hasn’t produced real talent for a decade and a half. She might want to get one from Tisch or Columbia where the art is still properly taught.