The work of William Shakespeare and D.C. native Duke Ellington collide in “Play On!,” the musical comedy now at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia, until Oct. 5.
An adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” the play features changing identities and unrequited love against the backdrop of the club showbiz scene in New York during the Harlem Renaissance, incorporating 22 Ellington compositions.
Conceived by producer, director and author Sheldon Epps from the book written by playwright Cheryl L. West, and directed by Lili-Anne Brown, the talented cast hits the stage in colorful attire, dancing and singing, and acting that brings this story to life in a captivating way.
Bringing It to the Stage
From the dynamic duo that is Epps and West — who have collaborated previously on “Shout Sister Shout,” the musical about gospel and rock and roll legend Rosetta Tharpe presented by Ford’s Theatre — “Play On!” is non-stop action that brings the audience into the tough life of getting ahead in entertainment against many obstacles.
Music director Jermaine Hill did a stupendous job arranging the Ellington songbook, and Brown and choreographer Breon Arzell assembled a cast filled with superb singers and dancers who know how to bring a story to life.
“This is our first time doing this musical,” said Arzell. “Lili-Ann first saw it at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago. Since then, she has been in conversation with Sheldon and Matt Gardiner, artistic director at Signature.”
The rigorous musical numbers are more than just dancing and singing, as the production also relies on choreography to walk and go up and down stairs on stage against that syncopated Ellington rhythm.
For Arzell, the performers had to be more than dancers, but able to breathe life into the characters and overall narrative.
“We had 50-60 people come in for a dance call, and we had a lot of strong dancers,” said Arzell. “But I don’t believe in telling someone they can’t do something. I look for potential. I can teach technique. I want someone who can actually feel the music.”
Telling the Story
“Play On!” features Wesley J. Barnes as Jester, the lead dancer at the club, greeting his cousin from the country, who has a strong desire to compose music for New York shows. His cousin Vy, played by Jalisa Williams, has a rude awakening about the opportunity being sought.
Through the story and Barnes’ and Williams’ striking performances, some entanglements are revealed through Vy’s journey and the future composer has to walk a tightrope of emotions.
Further, Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Howard University and American University alumnus Greg Watkins does an extraordinary job portraying Duke Ellington in the production.
The entire cast’s performances were incredibly engaging, and their interpretations of the musical numbers resulted in thunderous applause after each song.
In addition to the excellent acting, the costume design by Samantha C. Jones brings the audience close to the aura of life during the Harlem Renaissance.
The male actors looked dandy, and the women moved from daytime work clothes to dressed to kill, seamlessly. “Play On!” is time well spent at the theater.
After the opening night performance on Aug. 20, the audience in the open square theatre joyfully celebrated Brown’s work in bringing all of the elements of this piece together.
“I’ve been chasing this show for a number of years,” Brown said. “Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night’ and Duke Ellington’s music set at the Cotton Club in Harlem during the Harlem Renaissance, so, no brainer, right?”
For tickets and more information, go to sigtheatre.org.