Review: Harrowing TWISTED MELODIES at The Black Rep

Donny Hathaway is the very definition of "tortured genius", a singer/songwriter with velvety pipes, and melodies that were both memorable and timeless. Just listen to the gritty truths he expresses on his breakthrough tune, "The Ghetto (pt. 1)", or his collaborations with Roberta Flack, particularly "The Closer I Get to You" or "Where is the Love?", and try and not fall right into the mood that each song creates. The tragedy of the whole thing is that Hathaway suffered from schizophrenia, often hearing voices in his head that ultimately led to his terribly untimely demise. This is by no means your typical revue or jukebox musical, but an internal exploration of the demons that haunted Hathaway, and from which he ultimately could not escape.

While some of his lighter and happier times are explored by creator/performer extraordinaire Kelvin Rolston, Jr., the bulk of this piece titled TWISTED MELODIES, is tied into his depiction of the way the thoughts in his head affected his life and work. It's harrowing at times, delving deeply into the troubled soul of a man capable of so much. But, it's honest as well, and at brief moments, absolutely joyful. And, Rolston more than holds his own vocally, and on keyboard. It's truly schizophrenic in its own way, and it deserves your time and attention. Catch The Black Rep's outstanding and compelling ride through musical madness at the Edison Theater through May 1, 2016.