If you think lightning never strikes twice in the same
place, you haven’t been to MetroStage lately.
Just as previews are set to begin in the off-Broadway run of ROOMS a rock
romance, which made its world premiere in
Heading first to
“We are thrilled with the response to this show,” said producing artistic
director Carolyn Griffin. “The producers and investors with deep pockets fell
in love with it, and they are the ones that can allow the show to grow. We are
very fortunate.”
With book and lyrics by Thomas W. Jones II and original music by William
Knowles, Cool Papa’s Party tells the story of Cool Papa Rose, a character
loosely based on the life of Sammy Davis Jr. Through an innovative score by
Knowles, Cool Papa follows the struggles faced by black performers throughout
much of the 20th century.
From the early days of Harlem and the Apollo Theatre to the heyday of
Anchoring the show in the role of Cool Papa Rose is Jahi
Kearse, an
MetroStage favorite Lori Williams is back and better
than ever. While fans got a taste of the multifaceted vocalist’s range in Isn’t
It Romantic, the Cool Papa score allows Williams’ voice to soar to new heights
with an impressive display of scat and blues.
Rosalind “Roz” White, who won rave reviews for her portrayal of Pearl Bailey in
The dynamic Gary E. Vincent is Poppa Sr., a role being taken over by William
Hubbard through March 8, when Vincent will return for the final week of
performances.
Vincent brings a combination of dazzling dance and poignant tenderness to the
role of an African American fiercely struggling to break through the racial
barriers in the entertainment industry.
Cool Papa’s early years are spent performing with Poppa Sr. and Uncle Birdie,
played by Anthony Manough. The Broadway veteran is a
lyrical tenor whose voice is particularly commanding and clear in Lay Your
Negro Down.
With a score comprised of over 30 original songs, everyone gets a chance to
shine, including Benjamin Horen in a role inspired by
Frank Sinatra and his friendship with
The five-piece on-stage jazz band, under the leadership of composer and
conductor Knowles, fills the theatre with an impressive blend of gospel, blues
and jazz.
But without setting a foot on stage, it is Hines and his choreography that
leaves the audience mesmerized. The tap dance icon turned a talented cast of
vocalists into an exciting ensemble of precision and athleticism, each
delivering a repertoire of moves that would make Davis himself proud.
With cleverly crafted sets by Carl Gudenius
and colorful costumes by Kristina Lucka, Cool Papa
relives more than a half-century of showbiz traditions. From vaudeville to the
days of Laugh In, it is a musical that is deservedly heading for even greater
success.
And like its MetroStage predecessor ROOMS, you can
say you saw it here first.
Cool Papa’s Party is playing now through March 15 at MetroStage,