The latest in the Kander and Ebb's line of work, Scottsboro Boys tackles tough themes of racism and justice in a true story that lead to the American Civil Rights Movement. For such a dark story, the cast and creative team create an remarkable, enjoyable and even humorous production.
The show begins on March 25th 1931 when nine black boys are traveling across the Southern Railway Line from Alabama to Memphis. After the police get a whiff of a fight between some white boys and some black boys, the train is stopped and the police come to investigate. They find two white girls who are traveling the train without tickets. To stop themselves from getting into trouble, the girls accuse the nine boys of rape...
A very interesting look into the American justice system in a segregated America, this show is presented as minstrels performing the story of the Scottsboro Boys. Each actor skillfully takes on more than one character. The actors all possess the incredible talent of playing the morose prisoners and quickly switching to the comic relief characters.
Some very memorable songs throughout the show but the cast never let the atmosphere get too low. The choreography is simply awe- inspiring. A tap routine lead by the youngest Scottsboro Boy, aged 12, is simply sensational. The choreography perfectly matches the feeling on stage from the more sorrowful scenes, the nightmare scenes to the moments of hope and joy.
A very impressive set only made up of chairs moved into different position makes an interesting choice and the creativity and plausibility behind it all is very impressive. Of course, the use of shadow puppets are amazingly choreographed into the show and proved to be both artistic and comic.
This could be perhaps the best time to bring a show like this to the West End and I highly would recommend sending it on a UK tour. While audience members now may sit and watch the horrible injustice caused to these innocent young men, it offers an interesting critique on events that still occur now in the 21st century. It was a beautifully memorable performance and I cannot recommend it enough!
Get tickets here!
(Tip: We got under 25 day tickets for £10)
No comments:
Post a Comment