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<\/p>\nAfter moving the classic musical up the road in New York, the musical gets a brand new soul. This version of Frank Loesser\u2019s musical about the lives of New York gangsters their ‘dolls’ moves the action to Harlem in 1939. With an all-black cast and, this Talawa production has all the soul and edge this musical needs.<\/p>\n
A sea of colour sets the show in the form of the gangsters\u2019 colourful zoot suits. Nicely-Nicely Johnson stands tall in apple green, clever and highly respected gambler Sky Masterson\u2019s suit matches his name and wears a blue suit with pride. Nathan Detroit shines in a purple three-piece suit as he searches for the all important venue for the floating craps game. With swing shoes, a good hat and a bit of swag, these men might not have much money or respectability, but you can\u2019t deny they have style.<\/p>\n
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With a simple set designed by Soutra Gilmour, we are transferred to a street corner in Harlem. A manhole cover, a fire hydrant and smoke drifting up from below is all that’s required. With the use of a turnable stage, within seconds we are transported to the Save-a-Soul Mission where Sarah tries to convert the sinners of Harlem to good people; and then on to the Hot Box nightclub, where the soul and sassy Miss Adelaide (Lucy Vandi) belts out songs reminiscing her life and current love situation.<\/p>\n
The difference between this cool production and the normal tap-dancing and happy-clappy productions is how the choreography and direction bring it to the present day. With a mix of wacking, voguing and classic jazz, the dancers really bring the show to life, choreographed by Kenrick ‘H20’ Sandy. <\/p>\n
A brand-new twist on a classic musical, but a needed twist. The soul and groove of this production is the missing piece to the musical. It completes the score (by Loesser) and the witty and the script gets a new lease of life (by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows). <\/p>\n
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The dolls are wonderful, but the guys stole the show, applauding Danielle Kassarate as Angie the Ox for strutting her stuff as an honorary guy. Ashley Zhangazha brought a younger freshness to Sky, with the cheeky-chappy aura oozing. Ako Mitchell commanded the stage as Nicely-Nicely and his Sit Down, You\u2019re Rockin\u2019 the Boat was a gospel phenomenon. <\/p>\n
Until 3 February.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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