Broadway / Theatre Review:
Written by: DeAlan Wilson
Written by: DeAlan Wilson
Storyville, the new off -Broadway musical made its New York City debut this past week with a smash hit new production by The York Theatre Company. The show, with book by Ed Bullins, music and lyrics by Mildred Kayden is set in spicy New Orleans during the turn of the century when brothels and shady dealings ruled.
Michael Leonard James (standing-top) leads cast of Storyville in a show-stopping number.
Photo: The York Theatre Company Publicity
The time was Mardi Gras, the place was called Storyville. It was the red light district of New Orleans just two blocks from the French Quarter. Saloons, gambling joints, brothels and pervasive political corruption set the scene for a new kind of music. People fell in love, a world disappeared and the music moved upriver. Within all this, a new style of American music was born. It was called “Jazz”.
Tony Award nominee Ernestine Jackson
brings down the house in Storyville
Photo: The York Theatre Company
brings down the house in Storyville
Photo: The York Theatre Company
Starring two-time Tony Award nominee, Ernestine Jackson as Countess Willy Danger, Storyville takes flight from the very beginning as Michael Leonard James, Hot Licks Sam is joined by the entire cast in the opening number Welcome to New Orleans. The show moves to even greater heights when Ernestine Jackson, is joined by Leajato Robinson who plays Hot Feet Punchie in the sexy and sultry show-stopping number A Touch of Danger.
Debra Walton, Fifi Foxy knocks the audience for a loop as she
performs her sexy "fan dance" in Storyville.
performs her sexy "fan dance" in Storyville.
Photo: The York Theatre Company
Featuring dazzling choreography by Mercedes Ellington, (Duke Ellington's Granddaughter) Storyville displays all the makings of a long-running, hit off-Broadway musical. Great story, music and talented performers.
In this show, Ellington has masterfully created choreography that is loose in feel therefore giving the characters real and natural movement. Such is evident in the steamy dance number featuring Debra Walton, as Fifi Foxy and the ladies of the brothel as they perform their rendition of an enticing fan dance.
Musical numbers featuring Michael Leonard James are not only brilliant, but make you sit-up in your seat.Watching James is like seeing many legendary Broadway "song-&-dance" men rolled into one. A phenomenal showman.
Michael Leonard James
is Hot Licks Sam in Storyville.
Photo: The York Theatre Company
Zakiya Young as Tigre Savoy in Storyville.
Photo: The York Theatre Company Publicity
All Photos: Carol Rosegg for Y.T.C.
Photo: The York Theatre Company
Other stellar lead performances including the one delivered by Zakiya Young. With a voice that seems to float on air, young brings life to the love seeking character of Tigre Savoy with style and finesse.
The cast includes: D.C. Anderson, Cory Bretsch, Karen Burthwright, Kyle Robert Carter, Dameka Hayes, Ernestine Jackson, Michael Leonard James, Leajato Robinson, Clifton Samuels, Christopher Spaulding, Carl Wallnau, Debra Walton, NaTasha Yvette Williams and Zakiya Young.
Photo: The York Theatre Company Publicity
All Photos: Carol Rosegg for Y.T.C.
Storyville is Directed by Bill Castellino. Artistic Director, James Morgan and Executive Director, Andrew Levin. The show will run through August 17, 2013, at The York Theatre Company. See this one for sure.
