SpeakEasy Serves Up "Bubbly" Brew

"The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin"

Book, music and lyrics by Kirsten Childs; directed by Jacqui Parker; music direction by José Delgado; choreography by David Connolly; set design by Seth Bodie; lighting design by John R. Malinowski; sound system design by Briand Parenteau

Cast in alphabetical order:

Mommy, Yolanda, Sandra: Mala Bhattacharya
Larry, Jazz Teacher, Dance Captain: Montez Cardwell
Gregory, Modern Dance Teacher: Jaime Cepero III
Chitty Chatty Pal 1, Secretary, Ballet Teacher, Sophia: Jackie Comisar
Emily, Nilda, Tallulah: Anich D'Jae
Chitty Chatty Pal 2, Leslie, Secretary, Scarlett: Aimee Doherty
Keith, Lucas: Lawrence-Matthew Jack
Prince, Cosmic, Policeman, Director Bob: John King
Miss Pain, Harriet Tubman, Secretary, Delilah, Granny: Trecia Reavis
Daddy, Policeman: Brian Richard Robinson
Viveca: Stephanie Umoh

Performances: Now through December 9
Box Office: 617-933-8600 or www.BostonTheatreScene.com

The SpeakEasy Stage in the South End of Boston is presenting the New England premiere of Kirsten Childs' acclaimed Off-Broadway musical, "The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin," in a production that is every bit as effervescent as the material. Graced by an endearing performance by Boston Conservatory student Stephanie Umoh in the title role, "Bubbly" sparkles under the astute eye and gentle touch of director Jacqui Parker.

Spanning thirty-plus years in the life of Viveca "Bubbly" Stanton, the musical follows the central character from her innocent and compliant childhood in Los Angeles during the '60s to her awakening as a self-confident and self-determined adult in New York City in the '90s. Through the decades, Viveca's method of "fitting in" is to smile, be ever cheerful, and become whatever it is that is expected of her by her parents, her peers, her bosses, and both her black and white acquaintances and friends.

As the young Viveca, Umoh gives us a girl who exuberantly aspires to be "the best dancing star ever" while embracing her white Chitty Chatty doll as her role model. However, after enduring racist taunts on the playground and then experiencing nightmares in response to the bombing of four little black girls in a churchyard, the infectious smile that formerly came from deep within Bubbly's soul now seems a bit forced and uncertain. Fast forward through her transformation as a hippie, an office secretary, a dancer at a cattle call, a rejected lover, and finally a successful dance teacher and we see Umoh's composure become more and more strained and her sparkle less and less sure until, at last in a burst of determined self-expression, she powerfully sets the real Viveca free.

The ensemble cast that supports Umoh in multiple roles is fresh and fine. Director Jacqui Parker keeps them moving fluidly from one song and scene to another, and they all handle the age and character transitions smoothly. Notable are Jamie Cepero III as Gregory, Bubbly's childhood cum lifelong friend who sings a lovely, joyous rendition of "Beautiful Bright Blue Sky" while miming riding a motorcycle; Anich D'Jae as three various smart girls with attitude who all live in proud contrast to Viveca's self-effacing assimilator; and Brian Richard Robinson who exudes love and compassion as Bubbly's adoring and over-protective Daddy.

While the score of "The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin" isn't comprised of memorable stand-alone show tunes, the songs all have a strength and dignity that often grip you by the heart. Penetrating lyrics in numbers like "Sticks and Stones" come in surprising contrast to the touching humor found in "Sweet Chitty Chatty" and "I Am in Dance Class." The sexual revolution is paid homage in the testosterone driven "Give It Up" and "Come with Me" while feminists have their day trying to escape from drowning in the "Secretarial Pool." "Granny's Advice" turns into all out slapstick, and finally "There Was a Girl" is the climactic anthem of self-acceptance and liberation.

"The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin" (performed in 90 minutes without intermission) is a bright little musical that wins you over with its heart and leaves an imprint on your soul. Its approach is gentle but its message is strong and lasting.

PHOTOS:

Stephanie Umoh as Bubbly
Jaime Cepero III as Gregory and Stephanie Umoh
Stephanie Umoh and Brian Richard Robinson as Daddy

Photo Credit:
Craig Bailey, Perspective Photo