AD | Tickets gifted in exchange of an honest review
Play On! presented by Talawa Theatre Company is currently playing at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre and it's a must-see!
Play On! is a vibrant musical based on Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" and conceived by Sheldon Epps. Play On! is set in the 1940s at the legendary Cotton Club in Harlem, this production brings iconic jazz scenes and sounds back to life. The Book Writer Cheryl L West, adds comedy to the original story and blends with the rich, smooth sounds, arranged by Musical Supervisor Liam Godwin, which results in a perfect mix of elegance and energy that is outstanding from start to finish.
The voices in this production were absolutely stunning. Every single performer brought their A-game, and the vocals were among the best I’ve ever heard. The lead role of Viola (played by Tsemaye Bob-Egbe) in this production a female songwriter, (unheard of for this era), is forced to get her songs heard by dressing as a man, Vyman. The whole cast gave such powerful vocal deliveries, really conveying the era of jazz musicians while still keeping the charm of the original characters.
For me the singers, the humour and choreography were the highlights of the show. While there was a contemporary style to the movement, the choreography by Kenrick Sandy, incorporated a distinct 1940s twist, channelling the elegance and style of the era’s jazz and swing. The dance numbers were full of energy and flair, particularly in the larger ensemble pieces, which included some jaw-dropping routines that fit perfectly with the swinging jazz age.
Set in New York's legendary Cotton Club, the simple design by ULTZ was glamorous and atmospheric, which felt it was embracing the feel of one of Harlem's most famous venues. Michael Buffong's direction does have a few minor pacing issues in terms of transitions between some of the emotional and comedic scenes. A couple of moments felt slightly abrupt as the tone shifted, but these were small hiccups in an otherwise engaging and entertaining show.
Overall, Play On! is a wonderful reimagining of "Twelfth Night" that captures the spirit of the 1940s Harlem. the show and the cast rewrite the rules! With incredible performances, unforgettable music and dancing this production, it is a fantastic way to experience both Shakespeare and jazz in a whole new light.
If you love musicals that are full of heart, music, and style then Play On! is definitely a show you don’t want to miss!
★★★★★
Play On! is playing at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre until 22nd of February.
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