"When Jazz Had The Blues"

When Jazz Had The Blues takes uptown on the A Train to Harlem, into the era of the Zoot Suit and Big Bands, highlighting the nightlife of little-known brilliant composer, Billy Strayhorn and his intimate relationship with Lena Horne while working under Duke Ellington. Set against a time of racism, homophobia, the excellent six-piece Jazz orchestra, dance ensemble and outstanding actors bring the musical to life, crossing black keys and white in the struggle for equality against the backdrop of a Post-Depression and World War Two.

Woven in and out of the piece, as lines becomes crossed in segregation as well as Gay rights, is our hero, played by the very talented singer, (Frank Lawson) and his best-friendship with rising star, Lena Horne, (magically incarnated by Michole Briana White), who knows his heart belongs to another man. Yet while background singer Lena encourages Billy’s efforts to get credit for composing “Take The A Train” and many others which have been copyrighted by their boss, the commanding Duke Ellington (Boise Homes in an amazing performance), the story weaves through time and Billy’s relationship with lover, talented jazz pianist, Aron Bridges (Gilbert Glenn Brown). Wearing thin through hardships and eventually falling short of expectations as they continue to live under Duke’s reign through the Depression and World War Two, Lena and Billy continue to bond as her success rises, while he still stands under the shadow of Duke. A true musical homage to the time of the elegant band leader and an era gone by, When Jazz Had The Blues music is so excellent that it carries the narrative along as the smoking six-piece band does the ultimate justice to the classics, "In a Sentimental Mood" and "Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me”. Billy and Lena duet in a clever gay double entendre on "The Man I Love." Michola Briana White kills it, belting out her best on “Stormy Weather”. Katherine Washington is stunning in her solo "Drop Me Off in Harlem," with back-up dancers Chris Smith and Darian Archie, cleverly choreographed by Cassie Crump, highlighting the dance style evolution over the years, from the Lindy to the American Bandstand modern moves and is a delight to watch. Playwright Carole Eglash-Kosoff and Director John Henry Davis bring out the best of this small production with a Broadway feel, to entertain and enlighten our hearts. “When Jazz Had The Blues” playing at the Matrix Theatre Thru - Dec 18, 2016
Reservations @ www.plays411.com/jazzblues Price: $20-$34
Box Office: 323-852-1445
www.matrixtheatre.com