Play On! Ultra talented cast brings 1940s Harlem to life at Salisbury Playhouse
Inside Salisbury: Get ready to be transported to The Cotton Club
by Annette J Beveridge
In every situation in life, we feel a variety of emotions and Play On! the new jazz musical set in 1940s Harlem, encapsulates all those emotions from unrequited love, and jealousy, to relationship conflict and the drive to succeed in life.
Salisbury Playhouse always provides an eclectic mix of productions and watching Play On! the audience was transformed back to a time when women - no matter how talented, were just not taken seriously.
We watched as protagonist Vy (Tsemaye Bob-Edbe) finds this out for herself when she travels to Harlem hoping against hope her song writing skills will be discovered.
Although she does not get quite the welcome she’d hoped for, she’s told that she has little chance of achieving her dreams unless she pretends to be a man. Transformed before our eyes, Vy is far too good in her gender swap attracting the attention of the haughty diva ‘Lady Liv’ (Koko Alexandra) and trying to escape her clutches.
This isn’t just a jazz musical, it’s a snapshot of a much-loved music scene - the setting is the Cotton Club in New York City.
The cast is superbly talented - from the dancers, and singers to the musicians. You don’t even need to be an ultra jazz fan, because there is comedy and a backstory for many of the characters. Beautiful choreography and performances links every scene together so that the story flows.
Play On! is an easy watch and I defy anyone to not tap their foot in time with the music. The singing is extraordinarily good. I admit, I had chills when listening. Sadly, Salisbury Playhouse wasn’t full and this is disappointing because the calibre of the show warrants a packed house.
As it is a large cast, it is not possible to mention everyone but it is a classy production and well worth attending.
Play On! is a part of Black Joy season and is a musical riff based upon Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. There is a book by Cheryl L West and the musical was conceived by Sheldon Epps. Music was by Duke Ellington and it was co-produced with Birmingham Hippodrome, Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse, Lyric Hammersmith Theatre and Wiltshire Creative.
Talawa is a Black British Theatre Company founded in 1986.
Play On! Performances are available until Saturday, November 2 so if you are looking for a good night out, this is it. Tickets are available from £12 and it is suitable for ages 12 and above.
Book tickets here: Wiltshire Creative
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