This is LOLA! Theater Review

[jazznpop]

Posted: 11/21/19 at 7:18am

The show was pretty spectacular. Here is a review :

 This is LOLA! -Keeps us on our feet!

November 18th, 2019
Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater

Everybody Loved LOLA! If you missed this performance, you missed a wonderfully entertaining evening! The continuous rain was no match for this vibrant sold-out show on Monday night at Joe's Pub! The Playbill read: "This is LOLA! is a musical thrill ride through the Vegas of yesteryear" and boy were they right! Dionne Figgins, the effervescent Broadway actor/singer/dancer who played Lola, has a powerful voice rich with soul. The sparkling beauty was sexy, funny and sassy as the young Lola, telling the Lola Falana story- from Vegas chorus girl to legendary stardom.

Dancers, Devin Roberts and Julian Alvarez provocatively ignited the humble script into a fun evening of entertainment!  Devin Roberts, as a young and physically chiseled Sammy Davis Jr., offered a skilled and tantalizing performance. Julian Alvarez portrayed a young Elvis, giving us long lines and charismatic attitude. The three were fused by their synergy in beautifully choreographed dance numbers that made it all pop. This was a true testament to the brilliance of choreographer and director Brian Harlan Brooks who’s movement tied it all together. Supporting the storyline was the Pastor-Emcee, played by the tall dark and handsome Darell Hunt, who's whimsical "holy spirit" pointed lightly to the lifeline of Lola Falana's faith.

The popular tunes of the 70’s were perfectly placed and showcased the skills of an awesome trio featuring Drums/MD- James "Biscuit" Rouse, Keys- Devone Allison, Bass- Alex Busby Smith They musically melded the program and kept the audience raring to go! Accolades go to producer/writer S. Morris, who along with co-writer Dicey, had the conception and ingenuity to bring this framework to the stage. With a "One Night Only" sold out show at Joe's Pub, fans like myself agree that the story of this iconic performer, Lola Falana, needs to be told. It is my prediction that this will morph into something greater.

-Vanda Jamison
Theater Critic at Large
Delicious by Vanda
New York, NY