BWW Reviews: THE SHAKESPEAREAN JAZZ SHOW is Electrifying

Summer in New York City is always a great time to brush up on your Shakespeare, as there is never a dearth of options. From inventive stagings of his classic plays to the other ways that the Bard's words filter into the arts, it seems there is always some novel way to (re)experience the works of William Shakespeare. Fitting into this idea, Alex Ates and Patrick Greeley's THE SHAKESPEAREAN JAZZ SHOW is a triumphant tour de force that pristinely blends Shakespeare's poetry with a catchy New Orleans jazz beat.

The Nine Worthies, a band that draws its name from William Shakspeare's LOVE'S LABOR'S LOST, recently performed THE SHAKESPEAREAN JAZZ SHOW at New York City's the cell (338 West 23rd Street, 10011). With indefatigable exuberance and effervescing energy, the talented troupe rocked the house. The energy flowing from the stage charged the audience, and left them whooping, hollering, clapping, and cheering for more. The abundant creative energy of the entire ensemble truly makes The Nine Worthies and their THE SHAKESPEAREAN JAZZ SHOW a richly absorbing and deeply satisfying experience.

With Adrian Aielleo on guitar and mandolin, Sheldon Brown on vocals, guest artist Joe Campbell on bass, Tyler Catanella on vocals, Patrick Greeley on piano and clarinet, Daniel Irwin on vocals, Jenna Rogalski on vocals, Adam Salameh on percussion, Max Sangerman on trumpet, and Tony-nominated actress Emily Skeggs on vocals, this buoyant and charismatic troupe of performers entertain with ease. Greeley's compositions perfectly fit around Shakespeare's words, giving new life to the emotions and intent of the tried and true words. Whether singing lines from TWELFTH NIGHT or captivating the audience with a vibrant instrumental solo, each member of the band delivers powerful performances through dynamic musicianship. During each song, the varied individual presences on stage are smartly blended together to create stirring numbers that consistently thrill.

As if the stellar performances weren't powerful enough on their own, Orrin Whalen has smartly costumed the entire group in clothing that is reminiscent of laborers in 1920s New Orleans, giving the aura of the show visual authenticity. Whalen also utilizes a backlit screen and fascinating puppetry to add additional eye-popping elements to the performances. These are especially effective on songs like "Come Away Death," where Brown's soulful, darkly toned jazz instrument is paired with ghoulish visions of the jaws of a monster, cemeteries, and ghosts, and "Silvie," where Skeggs' lush alto instrument is paired with a stark visual of a young girl swinging on a swing that is attached to a windswept and barren tree.

In addition to performing in the ensemble, Irwin serves as vocal coach and Catanella as movement coach. Likewise, other members of the band wear multiple hats too, showcasing the importance of artistry to these young performers. There is no denying that there is a tangible passion when watching The Nine Worthies on stage that electrifies the room. Keep your eyes on The Nine Worthies; you don't want to miss their next presentation of THE SHAKESPEAREAN JAZZ SHOW.

For more information about The Nine Worthies and THE SHAKESPEAREAN JAZZ SHOW, please visit http://shakespeareanjazzshow.com. Also, you can purchase their debut album, SPEAK THE SPEECH, from https://shakespeareanjazzshow.bandcamp.com.

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