Celebrating 26 seasons in San Francisco, the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre is presenting the musical “Bricktop” in its west coast premiere. Performances in this cabaret musical are crisp and riveting. Singers, actors, dancers and musicians combine to re-create Paris when it sizzled, Chicago when it was a toddling town, and Harlem when it was the only place for artists tobe.
Three fascinating entertainers, born shortly before the 20th century began, dazzled Paris, Chicago, New York and Hollywood for more than three decades: Ada “Bricktop” Smith (1894-1984), Alberta Hunter (1895-1984), and Mabel Mercer (1900-1985).
Who were these original wild women? Brick, Birdie and Mabel possessed multiple talents as singers and dancers who became the toast of Paris before World War II, among other accomplishments. Writers and artists, kings and princes flocked to Bricktop’s nightclubs for years to hear these first “dream girls.” Whom did they know? Well, they knew everybody — Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, Langston Hughes, Duke Ellington, Fats Waller, Josephine Baker, world heavyweight champion Jack Johnson.
This lively musical chronicles their amazing journey on two continents with song, dramatic vignettes, humor and dance. A few lucky audience members get to sit onstage, while a lot of others are dancing in the aisles before the evening ends. You really cannot sit still while listening to fresh interpretations of classic jazz songs, blues and cabaret numbers, along with new compositions.
The west coast run of “Bricktop” ends April 15 and cannot be extended because of commitments in other cities. Run to the Web site or theatre box office to purchase tickets, or go to the TIX kiosk in Union Square for half-price possibilities on day of performance. “Bricktop” is not to be missed. Ada, Alberta, Mabel — we love you madly.
0 responses so far ↓
There are no comments yet...Kick things off by filling out the form below.
Leave a Comment