So there is a little bit of a paint-by-numbers quality to the way Diaz structures the story. (Though arguably, many artists have similar stories of early love, figuring out who they are in relationship to their parents, and a beloved mentor who shows up just when they need them most.) Yet the moments of raw emotionality and joy underpinning the show generally carry us through, thanks in no small part to Camille A. Brown’s terrific choreography and the tear-the-roof-off vocals provided by Drake and Caughell.
The superb cast is headed by 18-year-old Maya Drake as Ali. According to the program notes this is her professional debut and she has limited academic training. She is not a product of a prestigious musical theatre program such as University of Michigan or NYU. From her stellar performance this is shocking. This is a talented young lady who can sing, dance, act and control the stage with seeming natural ability and ease. Standing ovation, here!
| 2023 | Off-Broadway |
Public Theater Off-Broadway Premiere Production Off-Broadway |
| 2024 | Broadway |
Original Broadway Production Broadway |
| 2025 | US Tour |
US Tour |
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