I missed it off-Broadway, but it played a sold-out run, so I was very excited to see it when it transferred. I didn't know too much about it going in, but I was blown away by the show.
I don't want to give too much away because it was a really powerful theatrical experience full of surprises, but here's a brief synopsis:
"In rural Alabama in 1931, nine young African-American males are arrested and tried for a crime involving two white women. Performed as a minstrel show, the musical gives voice to the persistent theme of justice in America."It was reminiscent of Chicago in that it approached the storytelling of a dramatic, controversial event through musical theater. Not like a dramatic musical, but flashy song-and-dance numbers that you're not quite comfortable clapping for but can't resist because they were so much fun to watch. While some of the subject matter is almost cringe-worthy and borderline offensive, I think that Susan Stroman did a brilliant job creating just enough tension for the audience, not only on stage, but internally, to make them sit and really think, rather than storm out of the theater in disgust. Finally some real ART on Broadway!
Beyond that, I will tell you that it stars one of the most talented up-and-coming Broadway performers I know: Joshua Henry. I've seen him in ensemble roles in In the Heights and American Idiot where his stunning voice couldn't help but stand out, but I'm so happy to see him in the starring role that he deserves. And did he nail it! I smell a Tony...
And speaking of, should I call "Best Musical" now or would that be jumping the gun? RUN AND SEE THIS!
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