Rain Pryor is all about 'Fried Chicken & Latkes'

KEMPSVILLE

It took a long time for Rain Pryor to come to terms with her half-Jewish, half-African American roots. But she acknowledges who she is and is proud to share her story through the award-winning solo show, "Fried Chicken and Latkes."

"I got used to the fact that I'll always be unique, and I just accepted that it's who I am," Pryor, 40, recently said during a telephone interview.

The daughter of the late legendary comedian and actor Richard Pryor, Rain wrote and the autobiographical show, and will perform it at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 20, in the Fleder Multipurpose Room at the Simon Family Jewish Community Center

"Fried Chicken and Latkes" tells the story of growing up in Beverly Hills with an African American father and a Jewish mother. Pryor combines comedy and music with an irreverent and poignant look at racism in the late 1960s and early '70s.

"I have such fantastical stories," Pryor said. "My show, at times, is not for the faint of heart. It's edgy comedywise and sometimes really raw."

During the approximately 90-minute performance, which is for ages 18 and older, Pryor portrays different characters throughout her life, including her father, mother, grandparents and others.

A performer all her life and a jazz/blues soloist, Rain is now married and living in Baltimore with her husband, Yale, and 22-month old daughter, Lotus Marie.

"My life is normal now," Rain Pryor said. "I'm a mom, a wife and I still write, create and perform, but I do it more on my terms."

Following the death of her father in 2005, Rain took a break from performing the show because it was too painful, but she has come back to the stage with a vengeance.

"Everyone in my family has always dealt with pain by trying to be funny," she said. "This was my therapy."

In addition to her acting and singing career, Pryor is an ambassador for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, in honor of her father.

Her book, "Jokes My Father Never Taught Me: Life, Love and Loss With Richard Pryor," was released in 2006. Copies will be for sale following the show along with a book signing and dessert reception.

Sandra J. Pennecke, Pennecke@cox.net