Tony nominee Colman Domingo‘s energetic play, Wild With Happy, opened last night at the newly-renovated Public Theater.

Domingo plays Gil, a gay man struggling to come to terms with the unexpected death of his mother. When Gil has his mother cremated instead of opting for a traditional burial and funeral service, family tensions grow and set up for a hilarious feel-good dramedy that will make you laugh out loud.

From the moment Domingo hit the stage it was clear he was born to be in showbiz. Same goes for Public Theatre veteran actor Sharon Washington, who plays both Gil’s mother and the lively Aunt Glo. Washington captured the audience with her comedic timing and carried most of the show. Not to be upstaged, Gil’s gender bending best friend, Mo (Maurice McRae), stole a scene or two with his raw (and sometimes vulgar) sense of humor.  And there was the funeral director, Terry (Korey Jackson), who was the only character who offered comfort to Gil in his time of mourning.  Jackson created a sense of calm in a chacotic storm of over-the-top theatrical performances.

Highlights include Domingo’s Gil flipping off a pastor, endearing flashback scenes between Gil and his mother, and the hilarious Aunt Glo.

Based on the crowds reaction last night, you’re more than likely going to enjoy this complex play if you love to laugh and/or if you’ve ever lost someone you’ve loved.

For tickets, please call (212) 967-7555 or visit publictheater.org. The Public Theater is located at 425 Lafayette St.