New York – Ginger in the Theatre

Slave Play

Golden Theatre, New York

Reviewed by Jade Prince

Seen October 30th, 2019

★★★★★

When it comes to plays, I’m a very difficult audience member to ‘move’. I’m ginger. Soulless. Thinking back, there is only one play that comes to mind which captivated me and evoked some emotional response. But it did not leave me in my seat, unable to move until I could start to process some of what I just witnessed. There is a first for everything and Slave Play was that first for me. It’s played on my mind for hours, days, weeks.

I’m not even sure where to start of if I should post this.

Will my ramblings do the show justice?

Hell no!

It is one that you just have to see with your own eyes.

Jeremy O. Harris has created something which is revealing and brutally honest of the world we live in.

The play was totally not what I was expecting. Actually, I’m not 100% sure what I was expecting. I thought it would be a very serious, historical play about race and inequality. Silly me for assuming I could accept this show and title for face value. It was very much about those things but immediately threw you into the deep end and just when you thought you had the gist of it, Jeremy O. Harris threw in this mega curve ball which completely obliterates your current perception.

It’s a fascinating show where the discomfort it creates draws you further in. I felt uncomfortable but at the same time, I couldn’t snap out of the trance the show put me in. Audience members could approach it in two ways: either look away and attempt to ignore it (although the panels of mirrored glass made it impossible for you to do so) or you could run with it. Get into it and see the honest answers break free from the inter-racial couples in the therapy group.

I want to draw attention to the huge mirrors for a brief moment. They formed the back wall of the stage. What a genius idea! Having a show this ballsy and the audience facing this huge towering wall of mirrors was brilliant. There was absolutely nowhere to hide. You were constantly being watched, both by fellow audience members and the cast on stage regardless of where they were positioned. Yet, in a strange way, it provided an element of comfort because we were all in it together witnessing groundbreaking theatre.

In my honest opinion, which may ruffle some feathers, those who don’t like the show and take offence will be the ones which have just experienced a show that has come very close to the bone for them.

For me, this is an outstanding piece of theatre that opened my eyes further. It encouraged me to re-evaluate the world we live in.

The prime example of what great theatre should do.

(Public apology: This write up has not done the show ANY justice! This is just me rambling about, possibly, the very best piece of theatre I have seen.)

You’re all just going to have to take my word for it. Run to get tickets because this show isn’t around for long. It must close on January 19th 2020. Click here for more information of the show and to snap up tickets.

King Kong

Broadway Theatre, New York

Reviewed by Jade Prince

Seen June 4th, 2019

★★★★

King Kong appears to have not taken the crown this Broadway season after announcing its final performance will take place on August 18th 2019. It has been a competitive season with film to musical adaptations dominating The Great White Way.

Unlike the other film to musical shows, King Kong had the upper hand. A unique, out of this world way of bringing the legendary Kong to the stage. Unfortunately, this wasn’t enough to ensure a longer run.

Following the story of the film with the same title, King Kong takes you on board the filming voyage from New York to Skull Island. Unbeknownst to the cast and crew, they had just invaded the king of the jungle’s territory. An unlikely bond is forged between the lead actress Ann Darrow (Christiani Pitts however at this performance we had a cover, Lissa DeGuzman) on the film shoot and Kong.

The plot and script were the biggest downfall. It fell completely flat. However, King Kong has an advantage because everything else is done to such a high standard, the audience are willing to forgive the lack of plot. I know that I was. The audience is so entranced in Kong himself that the story takes a backseat. I’m inclined to say it’s a blessing for the show.

Even before we laid eye on Kong, the audience witnessed a stunning transition on stage. In the midst of wonderful choreography, the back of the stage elevated to create the bow of the ship. Something I was not expecting! I had heard of the boat scene prior to seeing the show. In fact, reviewer Mark had seen the show and commented on this. He admitted it made him feel a little nauseous which I completely understand now! I was towards the rear of the orchestra, safely in row U but I can see why people would feel that way when sitting close to the stage. Especially with no fixed features in their peripheral vision.

The direction of the show was stunning with the pinnacle being the huge revealing of Kong. I really appreciated how it was a gradual introduction and not a sudden thing for the audience. The suspense was meticulously crafted. The auditorium fell silent. The sound was incredible, and you felt as if you were right there in the cave. I really lost it when the teeth became visible. The gradual reveal was almost too much to handle! I will never forget my friend looking over at me and laughing because my mouth was wide open, and I was edging further forward in my seat. She had seen the show before and knew what to expect however for me, I really felt like a little kid. Very rarely do you find theatre which makes you feel that way.

As previously mentioned, we were lucky enough to see a cover in the role of Ann Darrow. Lissa DeGuzman had a gorgeous stage presence. I can’t imagine how daunting it would be to share the stage with Kong. It would be so easy to be upstaged and cast into the shadows however DeGuzman did a fabulous job of drawing the focus to herself to avoid this. They were able to share the stage harmoniously and really complimented each other.

The puppetry control of Kong was mind-blowing! Props to the design team and team operating Kong during the show! Every single one of you reminded me why theatre is so special. It is moments like that that make it.

All in all, the technical side of this show completely outweighed the lack of story. It truly is a stunning piece and I urge you to see it!

With a little over a month left of its run, head to https://kingkongbroadway.com/index.php for more information on the show and for tickets.