REVIEW: ‘Black No More,’ a new musical from The New Group
Photo: Tamika Lawrence and Brandon Victor Dixon star in Black No More. Photo courtesy of Monique Carboni / Provided by Seven 17 PR with permission.
NEW YORK — Black No More, the new musical from The New Group in Manhattan, is a thoughtful and stirring show about Black identity and race relations. Not everything in the musical works perfectly, but thanks to a stellar cast, fronted by Brandon Victor Dixon, and expert choreography from Bill T. Jones, the story feels perpetually revelatory and meaningful over the course of its two acts.
The show is based on George S. Schuyler’s Afrofuturist novel set during the Harlem Renaissance. The book is by John Ridley, and lyrics by Tariq Trotter, who also performs in the piece as Dr. Junius Crookman, a character who has developed a unique machine that turns Black people white. Max Disher (Dixon) decides to take up the challenge and undergoes the treatment. After he is changed into a white person, he befriends a family of racists in the American South and starts to gain a different perspective on the life he once lived and the current one he’s embodying.
Trotter’s lyrics, which are expertly placed within the songs, are accompanied by music from a quartet of composers, including Trotter, Anthony Tidd, James Poyser and Daryl Waters. Songs like “This Is Harlem,” which opens the show, and “Victory for Love,” which closes the show, help tell this unique satire, delivering discomfiting realities, pain and sorrow, but also joy and optimism.
The plot unfolds on a mostly bare stage, which allows Jones’ exquisite choreography to be enjoyed and appreciated in full. His movements, often coming to life in group numbers, add to the lyrical poetry of the songs and the storytelling from the characters. The few adornments in Derek McLane’s set are secondary and on the periphery, such as large letters spelling out “HARLEM,” which helps to frame a particular scene or song. Scott Elliott mostly keeps the company, which is quite large for an off-Broadway venture, moving along while telling this convoluted story. There were times when pacing felt too rushed, and other times when trimming was needed, perhaps with an extra beat or two to soak in exactly what is being considered in the show.
Dixon is marvelous as Max, the man whose arc becomes the arc of the entire show. His journey is eye-opening and difficult to behold. He goes into the experiment not knowing how it will turn out, but he’s in for a rude awakening as he gets ever closer to a family of white supremacists, including their daughter, Helen Givens (Jennifer Damiano).
Tamika Lawrence is the clear standout as the character of Buni, singing the songs of Black No More with energy and passion that is unrivaled on stage. She is the best addition to the company and the best interpreter of this songbook. Much credit also for Lillias White, a Broadway mainstay, who expertly embodies Madame Sisseretta throughout the evening.
Black No More is a complex show that covers many themes, many characters and many questions about Black identity. For the most part, the show succeeds at exploring everything it sets out to consider, even though sometimes the storytelling can feel wobbly and the number of songs too numerous. The effort to have such a meaningful conversation is appreciated and leaves the audience with so many lingering thoughts about Max and his sorrow-filled journey into contentious race relations. Perhaps the most moving part of the experience is when his character looks out from the stage and stares right into the eyes of the assembled crowd. This is not meant to be a faraway tale, but one ripped from society during the Harlem Renaissance and today. Credit to the cast members, who are skilled at bringing this show to life, even when the actions and words grow ugly and hateful, and credit to the creative team for marrying book, music, lyrics and choreography into one package that explores and ponders Black identity.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Black No More, from The New Group, is now playing at The Pershing Square Signature Center on 42nd Street in Manhattan. Book by John Ridley. Lyrics by Tariq Trotter. Music by Trotter, Anthony Tidd, James Poyser and Daryl Waters. Choreography by Bill T. Jones. Direction by Scott Elliott. Starring Brandon Victor Dixon. Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes. Click here for more information and tickets.
