Now at The National Theatre the Multi Tony Award-Winning Play Stereophonic Reflects the Personal Struggles of a Band Who Made Some of the Most Beloved Iconic Music of Its Day
Broadway at the National
Jordan Wright
February 12, 2026
 Jack Barrett (Grover) in the First National Tour of Stereophonic. (Photo/Julieta Cervantes)
Let’s just get this one particular misconception about this production out of the way. Stereophonic is not a rock concert per se. As many, myself included, have envisioned it to be. The producers call it “a play”. Nevertheless, it most assuredly has gorgeous original music by composer Will Butler (formerly of the band Arcade Fire) and an emotional story based on Fleetwood Mac’s years’ long effort to complete their iconic album “Rumours”. And, just to clear up one more thing, the show, Stereophonic, is in no way related to the Welsh band of the same name.
Writer David Adjmi’s story recalls 70’s era music production and that period’s notorious reputation of drugs, booze and Rock and Roll. Divided into four acts, the story focuses on a dysfunctional five-member band and two studio engineers, Grover (Jack Barrett), “We’ll just give them coke and booze.” and Charlie (Steven Lee Johnson), his assistant engineer and gofer, both young men trying futilely to keep the band’s massive egos under control. Lead singer and producer of the album Peter (Denver Milord) and the beautiful lead singer Diana (Claire Dejean) are an on-again-off-again couple, and, for a time, so are bass player, coke head and philanderer Reg (Christopher Mowod) and his wife keyboardist and vocalist Holly (Emilie Kouatchou), who seems to be the only band member who is sober and neatly grounded. Simon (Cornelius McMoyler), the drummer, the group’s manager and resident control freak, pines for his wife and kids back in England, who sadly never reunite with him in California. Despite their feuds, gaslighting and drama the group lays down beautiful music and gorgeous harmonies.
 Claire DeJean (Diana), Emilie Kouatchou (Holly), and Denver Milord (Peter). (Photo/ Julieta Cervantes)
Set Designer David Zinn’s two-story set is remarkable. The lower half is a control room with a large mixing board cum lounge where the band hangs out, freaks out and disses each other, and listens to their playbacks. The upper half is the ‘live room’ where the group performs and is separated from the control room by glass walls so that the cast is always within our view and where we can hear them. In their chats they reference 70’s pop culture, debating the movie, Don’t Look Back, which starred filmdom’s “It Girl”, Julie Christie, and her co-star Donald Sutherland and mentioning Carlos Casteneda, a Peruvian shaman whose books on magical realism were all the rage at the time.
In the fourth and final act the band moves to a studio in Los Angeles where the album at last comes to fruition. Expect mental breakdowns and mind games in this searing psychodrama as the unlikely group rises to the top of the charts in this wildly successful, five-time Tony Award-winning production. What sets this story apart from other “rock musicals” is the candor and intimacy between the group members and how, despite all odds, they are able to produce incredibly harmonious music.
In April 2024, Stereophonic became the most Tony-nominated play in history receiving 13 Award nominations. It then became the most Tony Award-winning show of the 2024 season, winning 5 Tony Awards including “Best Play”.
 Denver Milord (Peter), Christopher Mowod (Reg), Claire DeJean as (Diana), and Emilie Kouatchou (Holly). (Photo/Julieta Cervantes)
Directed by Tony Award winner, Daniel Aukin, it’s a stunner with a terrific cast!
Costume Design by Enver Chakartash; Lighting Design by Jiyoun Chang; Sound Design by Ryan Rumery; Orchestrations by Will Butler & Justin Craig; Music Direction by Justin Craig.
Through March 1st at The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC 20004. For tickets and information call the box office at 202.628.6161 or visit www.BroadwayatTheNational.com
Hurry! Hurry! Hurry to the Big Top for Broadway’s Water for Elephants at The National Theatre
Water for Elephants – The Broadway Musical
Broadway at The National
The National Theatre
Jordan Wright
December 10, 2025
 The Cast of Water for Elephants. (Photo/Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade)
Step right up to a heart-stopping, tender-hearted musical steeped in early 20th century circus culture and enhanced by life-sized puppets. If you loved the huge puppets in Life of Pi, The War Horse, and other spectacular productions like Disney’s The Lion King, this show is for you. What sets Water for Elephants apart from those mega hits, is a cast peppered with Cirque du Soleil alums. So wow! The acrobatics are breathtaking!
Setting the story is a young Polish man, Jacob Jankowski, played and sung beautifully by Zachary Keller, who we saw last year in the role of Hero in Signature Theatre’s A Funny Thing Happened at the Forum. Jacob has lost his beloved family in a car crash, and the family home has been taken by the bank. In despair, he sets out to find his future and discovers a strange life and passionate love in a traveling circus. Done as a flashback with Jacob’s father appearing throughout, it forms a circle of thrills and chills, romance and heartbreak, among the most fascinating characters you’ll ever encounter.
 Zachary Keller (Jacob Jankowski) and the cast of Water for Elephants. (Photo/Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade)
Jumping on a freight train, Jacob, a veterinarian student, meets these unique characters with the ragtag Berzini Brothers circus. After some dustups with the circus workers, he is hired to care for the wild animals – a horse, a lion, a llama, a zebra, a tiger, a bear, an orangutan and a giraffe are revealed. But it is when the circus’s cruel yet dashing ringmaster, August and his beautiful wife, Marlena, come into Jacob’s life that the story takes a turn and Rosie, the elephant, becomes Marlena’s star act.
Based on the best-selling, historical novel by Sara Gruen with a beautiful score written by the Pigpen Theatre Co., this musical received 7 Tony Award nominations including “Best Book”, “Best Musical” and “Best Direction”.
 Helen Krushinski (Marlena). (Photo/Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade)
Twenty-one great numbers backed by a full orchestra, fill this magical production with stirring ballads, spirited hoedown dancing and more flips, cartwheels, throws, aerialists and lifts than a three-ring circus.
It’s “tip top” and a must see this season!!!
 The cast of Water for Elephants. (Photo/Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade)
With Robert Tully as Mr. Kankowski; Javier Garcia as Camel; Connor Sullivan as August/Charlie; the fabulous voice of Helen Krushinski as Marlena/June; Grant Huneycutt as Wade; Tyler West as Walter; Bradley Parrish as Sal; Ruby Gibbs as Barbara; Nancy Luna as Agnes, an orangutan; Yemie Woo as Sue; Zakeyia Lacey as Vera; Yves Artières as Silver Star, a horse; Adam Fullick as Rex, a lion; John Neurohr as Caretaker; Ella Huestis, Bradley Parrish, John Neurohr, Carl Robinett, Grant Huneycutt as Rosie, an elephant; Ella Huestis as Nurse Rosemary; Carl Robinett as Orderly and Bradley Parrish as Worker.
Book by Rick Elice; Original Direction by Jessica Stone; Circus Design by Shana Carroll; Scenic Design by Takeshi Kata; Choreography by Jesse Robb & Shana Carroll; Costume Design by David I. Reynoso; Lighting Design by Bradley King; Puppet Design by Ray Wetmore & Jr. Goodman and Camille LaBarre; Projection Design by David Bengali; Orchestra Conducted by Sarah Pool Wilhelm.
At The National Theatre through December 14th at 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004, For tickets and information call the box office at 800.513.7540 or visit www.TheNationalDC.com.
Sassy, Sexy and Smoking’ Hot – You’ll Be Wowed at Some Like It Hot at the National Theatre
Some Like It Hot
Broadway at The National
at The National Theatre
Jordan Wright
December 1, 2025
 Leandra Ellis-Gaston (Sugar) and the First National Touring Company of Some Like It Hot. (Photo/Matthew Murphy)
Calling all hoofers, tappers and high kickers. This show is for you… and everyone else too! It’s a dance-a-palooza musical comedy with dolls and lover boys and tunes drenched in Cole Porteresque lyrics. With sassy, sexy and smokin’ hot chorines, Sweet Sue and Her Society Syncopators rule the Cheetah Club and you’ll soon find yourself in Chicago in 1933 at the height of Prohibition in a speakeasy.
When pals Joe, a sax player and Jerry, a bassist, both hoofers, find themselves without work, they head to a club owned by mob boss, Spats. As the Tip Tap Twins (Joe is White and Jerry is Black) the hoofers convince Spats to hire them. At the club they soon witness a shootout masterminded by Spats and raided by the Feds and are forced to flee for their lives. With no money and less prospects, they discover the only gig in town with Sweet Sue’s all-girl band. They soon devise a plan to dress in drag nailing the audition and becoming part of Sue’s tour as Josephine and Daphne. Trying to keep ahead of Spats’ mob and the Feds who expect the men to sing like canaries, they cozy up to the gorgeous chorus girls and Joe falls head over heels for Sugar, the band’s adorable lead singer.
Between the huge dance numbers, eighteen songs and a swell orchestra, is a 31-member cast with the energy of a supernova. Sweet Sue is played brilliantly by Dequina Moore with a powerhouse voice reminiscent of Ethel Merman.
 The First National Touring Company of Some Like It Hot. (Photo/Matthew Murphy)
The twist? There are many along with the jokes, but what you should know is Daphne finds his/her authenticity as a gay man and fireworks ensue with Osgood (a most appealing Edward Juvier), a soda pop scion and owner of San Diego’s Coronado Hotel where the ensemble is booked.
Although this cast is flawless – Broadway caliber flawless – I found Tavis Kordell absolutely riveting. Couldn’t take my eyes off him. 6’ 2’’ (without the heels he wears as Daphne) he towers over everyone executing his dance moves with elegance and grace. A quintuple threat as a dancer, actor, mezzo-soprano, musician and gorgeous man, I had to check his bio to learn more about his stage experience. What I found was a UNC grad with only regional and collegiate drama experience. Seriously? Watch for his star power solo on “You Coulda Knocked Me Over With a Feather”.
Matt Loehr as Joe/Josephine is a Broadway veteran and first-class hoofer with tons of Tony Award-winning shows listed in his bio. In the number “Dance the World Away” which he sings and dances in a starry set with Leandra Ellis-Gaston (Sugar) as his dream lover, you’ll swear you’re watching Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
 Matt Loehr (Joe), Leandra Ellis-Gaston (Sugar), Tavis Kordell (Jerry), and the First National Touring Company of Some Like It Hot. (Photo/Matthew Murphy)
When you go to this spectacular show, and you should, you’ll come away feeling you’ve hit the jackpot of talent. Dazzling sets by Scott Task, eye-popping costumes by Gregg Barnes and unforgettable choreography and direction by Casey Nicholaw.
Highly recommended!!! With a massive cast of 30 performers, dancing and singing their way into your heart.
Darien Crago as Nellie/Syncopator; Devin Cortez as Mack; Jamal Stone as Sonny; Devon Goffman as Spats; Matt Allen as Mulligan; Michael Skrzek as Toothpick Charlie/Bar Manager; Devon Hadsell as Minnie; Nissi Shalome as Dolores/Syncopator; Ashley Marie Arnold as Ginger/Syncopator; Emily Kelly as Vivian/Syncopator; Kelly Berman as Syncopator; Madeline Kendall as Syncopator; Ranease Ryann as Syncopator; Stephen Michael Langton as Man with a Suitcase. Gangsters, Porters, Bellhops et al: Devin Cortez, Jonathan Duvelson, Drew Franklin, Stephen Michael Langton, Michael Skrzek and Jamal Stone.
Book by Matthew Lopez and Amber Ruffin; Music by Marc Shaiman; Lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman; Sound Design by Brian Ronan; Orchestrations by Charlie Rosen and Bryan Carter.
Through December 7th at the National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004. For tickets and information call the box office at 202.628.6161 or visit www.TheNationalDC.com.
Sensational Hadestown Blows the Roof Off at The National Theatre
Hadestown
Broadway at The National
National Theatre
Jordan Wright
November 19, 2025
 Jose Contreras (Orpheus) and Hadestown North American Touring Company, 2025. (Photo/Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade)
If you haven’t brushed up on your Greek mythology lately, you may be easily excused. Yet surely you recall the parable of the doomed lovers Orpheus and Eurydice, Hades, God of the Underworld, and his Goddess wife, Persephone. Hades forced his lady love to live with him in hell for half the year and in sunlight for the other half — a seasonal arrangement that strained their unique marriage. Hadestown, the massive 8-time Tony Award-winning musical, borrows from these myths to create a sensational story of love, loss and the power of dreams.
This colorful, theatrical carnival evokes Thomas Hart Benton’s paintings of everyday American life, the unfettered dancing of Josephine Baker, the ground-breaking jazz of Louis Armstrong, the soft sultry ballads of American folk music and the syncopated rhythms of Basin Street’s Afro-Caribbean diaspora with its familiar syncopated “strut.” It’s a fascinating polyglot of N’awlins’ roots and shoots plunked down into a parable as old as time.
This wildly exciting piece of musical theater, offers up a huge dose of consciousness-raising. Note the reference of a “wall” to keep the ‘others’ from taking their wealth. Hades (Nickolaus Colón), King of the Underworld, is as ruthless as the early American coal and oil barons, recklessly stripping the earth of precious resources (reference the current fight for precious metals) and enslaving miners when union-busting proved deadly. Quinn’s magnificent powerhouse baritone is hauntingly evil… in a good way. Defending his unmitigated power, he sings of the need for a wall in “Why We Build the Wall” to keep the haves from the have-nots. “The enemy is poverty. We build the wall to keep us free. To keep out poverty.” Sound familiar?
 Megan Colton (Eurydice) and Jose Contreras (Orpheus). (Photo/Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade)
With his extraordinary, multiple-octave range, Jose Contreras as the guitar-strumming poet and heartthrob, Orpheus, sings of his love for the beautiful waif, Eurydice (Megan Colton), whose honeyed voice will give you goosebumps in her plaintive ballads. As poor Orpheus, who despairs of the deplorable conditions of the workers and the destruction of the Earth by power-mad Hades, promises Eurydice a boundless love.
Hadestown is a social and moral construct cleverly tucked into a brilliant musical with music, lyrics and book written by Anaïs Mitchell with all the original Broadway direction by partner Rachel Chavkin. At its heart is a tender love story (two, in fact) cleverly cached in the universal struggle for freedom from oppression and the quest for basic human rights. Be careful or you’ll miss it, wooed as you will be by the harmonizing harpies – The Fates – a stewpot of Cajun and Creole; the red-hot sexpot Persephone (Namisa Mdlalose Bizana); Hermes (Rudy Foster), the slithery, smooth, storytelling dandy. The Fates are played melodically by Miriam Navarrete, Alli Sutton and Jayna Wescoatt.
 Hadestown North American Touring Company, 2025. (Photo/Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade)
As in several modern musicals, the musicians are on stage throughout, affording us a close-up of the shiny glint and soulful wah-wahs of trombonist Haik Demirchian who racks up some mean solos; the beautiful strains of Jessie Bitner’s violin; with Lydia Paulos on cello; Nya Holmes on double bass; Sam Wade on guitar; drums and percussion by Lumanyano Mzi; haunting honky-tonk accompaniment by Cole P. Abod on upright piano; and one of the Fates on accordion, an important component in New Orleans Zydeco music. With the stunning harmonies and fierce dance component of the Workers Chorus featuring, Jonice Bernard, Ryaan Farhadi, Erin McMillen, Miracle Myles and Joe Rumi, the score is filled with minor chords adding to the heart-rending sense of longing and doom.
Directed by Keenan Tyler Oliphant; Choreography by T. Oliver Reid, based on the original Broadway choreography by David Neumann; Scenic Design by David L. Arsenault, based on the original Broadway Scenic Design by Rachel Hauck; Costume Design by Michael Krass; Lighting Design by Aja Jackson, based on the original Broadway Lighting Design by Bradley King; Co-Sound Design by Nevin Steinberg and Jessica Paz; Hair & Wig Design by Jennifer Mullins; Arrangements & Orchestrations by Michael Chorney and Todd Sickafoose; Music Direction by Cole P. Abod.
Through November 23rd at The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004. For tickets and information visit www.BroadwayAtTheNational.com or in person at the box office.
The Magical, Fantastical Epic Production From J. K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” Soars into the National Theatre DC and You Don’t Want to Miss This!
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
National Theatre DC
Jordan Wright
July 18, 2025
 Cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (North American Tour) at the National Theatre DC. (Photo/Matthew Murphy)
For all you Potter fans out there, and there are legions of you who have read all the novels, (some of you have pored over them multiple times in search of clues) this masterful, come-to-life production is for you. Do not miss it. I say this up front because once the word gets out, you’ll be mightily crushed if fellow Potterheads tell you how amazing it is, and you neglected to hop on board and hit that “order tickets now” button. So, brush up on your British accents and go!
The good news is the production is not a matinee plus an add-on return for the evening show as it was in its two-part Broadway incarnation. It has been condensed into two and half hours, which makes it fly by along with the dialogue that’s at racehorse pace and so are the set changes, but you’ll easily follow it if you’ve boned up on the plot in advance.
 John Skelley (Harry Potter) and Emmet Smith (Albus Potter). (Photo/Matthew Murphy)
John Skelly plays the lead. He’s Harry Potter all grown up and the father of young, Albus Severus Potter (Emmet Smith), who is off to Hogwarts to make his mark into Slytherin and create new friendships which, as you may have experienced, is tricky at best in any new school. Soon he meets and bro-befriends Scorpious Malfoy (Aidan Close), who may or may not be the son of Voldemort, the Dark Lord. Although their parents strive to keep them apart, this oddest of friendships becomes their strongest connection as arm-in-arm the boys fight the dark forces. Through thick and thin, the boys stick together through countless dangerously fraught adventures as they try desperately to solve the riddle.
 Julia Nightingale (Delphi Diggory), Aidan Close (Scorpius Malfoy), and Emmet Smith (Albus Potter). (Photo/Matthew Murphy)
All the notable characters are here in this massive cast as the years toggle back and forth – Severus Snape, Hagrid, Dumbledore, Lord Voldemort, Hermione Granger, Rose Granger-Weasley, Ron Weasley, Ginny Potter, Draco Malfoy, James Potter Sr., Hagrid, Professor McGonagall, Amos Diggory, Delphi Diggory, Cedric Diggory, Polly Chapman, Madam Hooch and more.
Battles have the characters airborne, capes swirling, chairs flying and wands clashing. The wizardry is spectacularly unimaginable. Every pyrotechnic trick is employed, plus aerial components, a revolving stage, magical fireplaces, bookcases that talk, a spinning sink for Moaning Myrtle, flying suitcases, Dumbledore morphing into a talking portrait, countless illusions, rotating stairways, a disembodied narrator and terrifyingly ghostlike spirits that float from on high. Whenever there is a time warp (bear in mind the twenty-year gap), the backdrop shimmers and there is a powerful bass drone that literally rattles your seat.
 Matt Mueller (Ron Weasley), Ebony Blake (Hermione Granger), and the Company of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. (Photo/Matthew Murphy)
Christine Jones’ design of the Wizarding World is miraculously clever as we are led through a myriad of intriguing settings – Hogwarts’ library, a cavernous Romanesque structure with flying buttresses and massive arches, to include a hazy underwater scene as Harry and Scorpious dive into a lake and swim to the bottom, and that’s just in the first act!
All will be revealed in this monumental interpretation of J. K. Rowling’s classic novel which Rowling notably said would “explore the previously untold story of Harry’s early years as an orphan and outcast” and which unsurprisingly won “Best Play” at the Tony Awards.
Wear your capes and bring your wands. Highly recommended!!!
 Cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child North American Tour. (Photo/Matthew Murphy)
Kaleb Alexander as Sorting Hat; Julianna Austin as Polly Chapman; Aidan Close as Scorpius Malfoy; David Fine as Yann Fredericks; Simon Gagnon/Travis Patton as Teacher; Alexis Gordon as Madam Hooch; Ebony Blake as Hermione Granger; Caleb Hafen as Cedric Diggory, James Potter Jr., James Potter Sr.; Matt Harrington as Ron Weasley; Nathan Hosner as Voldemort; Chris Jarman as Voice of the Phonebooth/Voice of the Bookcase; Torsten Johnson as Professor Mazoni; Katherine Leask as Professor McGonagall, Professor Umbridge; Mackenzie Lesser-Roy as Moaning Myrtle, Lily Potter Sr.; Trish Lindstrom as Ginny Potter; Naiya Vanessa McCalla as Rose Granger-Weasley, Young Hermione; Julia Nightingale as Delphi Diggory; Zach Norton as Karl Jenkins, Viktor Krum; Maren Searle as Trolley Witch; Timmy Thompson as Craig Bowker; Paul Thornley as Voice of Ludo Bagman; René Thornton, Jr. as Station Master; Benjamin Thys as Draco Malfoy; and Larry Yando as Albus Dumbledore, Amos Diggory, Severus Snape.
Based on an original new story by J. K. Rowling, Jack Thorne & John Tiffany. Directed by John Tiffany; Movement Director, Steven Hoggett; Costume Designer, Katrina Lindsay; Composer & Arranger, Imogen Heap; Lighting Design by Neil Austin; Sound Design by Gareth Fry; Illusions and Magic by Jamie Harrison.
Through September 7th at Broadway at the National, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004. For tickets and information call the box office at 202.628.6161 or visit www.TicketMaster.com.
Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations
is 100% On Fire at The National Theatre
Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations
Broadway at The National
Jordan Wright
June 18, 2025
 Lowes Moore (Eddie Kendricks), Jameson Clanton (Melvin Franklin), Josiah Travis Kent Rogers (David Ruffin), Rudy Foster (Otis Williams), Bryce Valle (Paul Williams) from the National Touring Company of Ain’t Too Proud. (Photo/Joan Marcus)
With hot hits from America’s number one R&B/Soul/Funk/Pop group of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, this bio-musical from the Berkeley Repertory Theatre is a blast from the past jam-packed with 31 of their platinum hits. Told through the eyes of Otis Williams, the group’s founder, the story takes us on a top-of-the-pops journey from the original foursome’s Detroit roots through its heyday under record industry icon, Berry Gordy and songwriter Smokey Robinson. Through the years the group gained and lost members like David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, Melvin Franklin and Damon Harris.
Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations takes us through the headliners’ triumphs and tragedies, telling the stories of their lives and loves through their music. Expect the greatest hits from their extensive catalogue – hits that a generation of us danced to, made out to, and sometimes got married to. Don’t think for a minute that the audience was a bunch of aging baby boomers clinging to fond memories of their teen years. That couldn’t be further from the truth. I looked around to see who was there – who was tapping their toes, mouthing the lyrics and beat-bobbing their heads, and they were all ages. Because you just can’t sit still to this musical – certainly not while watching their highly choreographed, synchronized dance movements these polished showmen were known for.
 Jameson Clanton (Melvin Franklin), Josiah Travis Kent Rogers (David Ruffin), Lowes Moore (Eddie Kendricks), Rudy Foster (Otis Williams), Bryce Valle (Paul Williams). (Photo/Joan Marcus)
These were the tunes that backgrounded family BBQs, birthday parties, impromptu dance parties and early discos. Hot hits that were played in cars and sung on street corners where impromptu harmonizers would doo-wop the latest hits. There is joyful spirit in the early music – “My Girl”, “I Can’t Get Next to You”, “If You Don’t Know Me by Now”, “Cloud Nine” and so many more. Eventually though the scene changed with the death of Martin, Jack and Bobby, the Vietnam War and the group’s songs – “I Wish It Would Rain” and “Ball of Confusion” – reflected those politicly fraught days. Just as “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” reflected the psychedelic era. Ain’t Too Proud covers 31 of their chart-topping hits throughout the perils and pitfalls, loves and losses of their massive success culminating with their reunion tour included all seven of the original Temptations. The Temptations went on to be named the “Number One Group in America” and that’s why you can’t miss this exciting show.
The musical is backdropped with terrific period-centric projections by Peter Nigrini of Sponge Bob Square Pants and Amélie fame and choreographed to a gold standard by Sergio Trujillo known for his work on Jersey Boys and On Your Feet. Orchestrations are by the show’s veteran musical director, Harold Wheeler with music directed by the legendary Kenny Seymour. Multiple Tony Award-winning director, Des McAnuff, pulls the threads and it’s as tight as the group’s pegged trousers, sharkskin jackets and the sequin-gowns worn by Diana Ross and The Supremes who make a cameo appearance with Tammi Terrell. Costume designer and multi-Tony Award winner, Paul Tazewell, veteran designer of Hamilton, Suffs, MJ, The Color Purple and other blockbuster Broadway hits.
 Reyanna Edwards (Johnnie Mae/Mary Wilson), Rudy Foster (Otis Williams), Jamal Stone (Dennis Edwards), Lowes Moore (Eddie Kendricks), Jasmine Barboa (Diana Ross/Josephine), Jameson Clanton (Melvin Franklin), Bryce Valle (Paul Williams), Kaila Symone Crowder (Paul Williams). (Photo/Joan Marcus)
The only issue I have is why, oh why, were we teased with too brief solos by Jasmine Barboa’s heart-stopping voice on “If You Don’t Know Me by Now”, and Bryce Valle’s beautiful solo tenor on the ballad, “For Once in My Life”. Just when we had goosebumps.
Book by Dominique Morisseau. Based on the book “The Temptations” by Otis Williams with Patricia Romanowski. Music and lyrics from The Legendary Motown Catalog.
With Rudy Foster as Otis Williams; Bryce Valle as Paul Williams; Jameson Clanton as Melvin Franklin; Lowes Moore as Eddie Kendricks; Josiah Travis Kent Rogers as David Ruffin (played by Corey Mekell on opening night); Cedric Jamaal Greene as Slick Talk Fella/Smokey Robinson/Damon Harris; Mikey Corey Hassel as “Gloria” soloist/Interviewer/Delivery Man/Richard Street/Lamont; Robert Crenshaw as Al Bryant; Kaila Symone Crowder as Mama Rose/Florence Ballard/Tammi Terrell; Reyanna Edwards as Johnnie Mae/Mary Wilson; Kerry D’Jovanni as Berry Gordy; Jasmine Barboa as Diana Ross/Josephine; Colin Stephen Kane as Shelly Berger; Jamal Stone as Dennis Edwards.
Scenic Design by Robert Brill; Lighting Design by Ryan O’Gara; Music Direction/Conductor, Eli Bigelow; Sound Design by Jeff Human, Original Hair and Wig Design by Charles G. Lapointe.
Highly recommended! 100% on fire!!!
Through Sunday, June 21st at The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington. DC 20004. For tickets and information call the box office at 202.621.6161 or visit www.TheNationalDC.com.
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