Review: Bob Marley's THREE LITTLE BIRDS At Children's Theatre of Charlotte

Bob Marley's Three Little Birds, adapted from a story by Marley's oldest daughter, Cedella, showcases the music of the father of Reggae - depicted through the eyes of his son, Ziggy Marley (Garrick Vaughan). It is a very energetic, colorful, music-filled production, accompanied by a vibrant dressed Reggae band, illuminated through the perception of children. With Ziggy's puppy love crush, Nansi (Kayla Simone Ferguson) close on his heels, Ziggy faces and overcomes his fears of exploring a world outside of his bedroom and television set and dealing with enchantment of "roots", witch-doctors and the fear of ghosts, often referred to in the West Indian culture as "Duppy" (Jeremy DeCarlos). Duppy has an obsession with stealing Ziggy's dreadlocks, and loses his own in the end. It is loosely based on the theme, "There is nothing to fear but fear itself!" Of course Ziggy was able to conquer his fears, go out and explore the beautiful Caribbean island of Kingston, Jamaica, and found joy and fun in a whole new world, outside the clustered walls of his bedroom and mind. The greatest asset of the production was the ability to sing-along the iconic songs of Bob Marley to include the self-titled song, Three Little Birds, "Don't worry about a thing...Cause every little thing gonna be alright!" and Is This Love "I want to love ya and treat you right! I wanna love ya - every day and every night!" And of course the Caribbean theme One Love, "One Love One Heart, Let's get together and feel alright!"

What a fun way for children to learn about the most influential West Indian artist, a musical genius, who introduced a whole new platform of music that transcended through racial barriers and propelled him to a permanent place in musical history that is incomparable. As we (patrons) were paying tribute to Bob Marley, another major accomplishment was being made. The team of Charlene Miranda Thomas (musical director) and Shondrika Moss-Bouldin (choreographer) were making their mark in history as the first African American women duo to create a show for Children's Theatre. Ladies, job well done - way to represent! We left the theater with a song in our hearts and tapping in our feet. Once again, Bob Marley has found a way to touch our hearts with "one love". Long live the "King of Reggae".

Bob Marley's Three Little Bird runs at Children's Theatre of Charlotte through February 24, 2019. For more information visit website: http://www.ctcharlotte.org