"Cool Papa's Party is a frantic smattering of music, dance, with bits of dramatic elements tossed on an overlay of historical chronology... He was a force of nature - complex, conflicted, controversial, self-destructive, who barreled through his life story as the ultimate song and dance man, from cradle to grave. Ambitious to a fault, this rendition... is also complex, conflicted, reaches beyond the traditional boundaries, calls its own shots, and barrels through on the sheer life force of its own force of nature, by the name of Jahi Kearse who portrays the title character, Cool Papa Rose. Composer and music director William Knowles with a fab five jazzy combo keeps a steady hand on the undulating rhythm and syncopated beats. His soaring melodies and sweet tight harmonies flow seamlessly..." Debbie Minter Jackson, dctheatrescene.com
"...a tasty "fantabulous" evening of exuberant tap dancing, high-spirited hep steps, smooth slides, cheerful 60's swim moves and the silky movement of upper body and arms that an adult crane might mate to as the audience is taken through the trials of being a black entertainer in the 20th Century. This is a dancer's show, with the choreography of Maurice Hines front and center through-out. The cast brims with kinetic energy... The hoofing...is a high point of the production." David Seigel, PotomacStages.com
"a lynxlike hoofer....Kearse delivers a crystallized and charismatic [performance]." Celia Wren, Washington Post
"Two notable talents, author-director Thomas W. Jones II and choreographer Maurice Hines, have created a loving tribute to the entertainment styles of the 20th century through the figure of "the last American hipster," an African-American performer..." Susan Berlin, TalkinBroadway.com
"Cool Papa's Party tells the compelling story of a legend, and with a legendary cast and crew, this musical delights the senses." Donna Ledbetter, BellaOnline
"...so much talent over there in Alexandria at MetroStage." Rich Massabny, Arlington Ch.69
"...another wonderful biomusical...There was more electricity expended on this cabaret stage by the seven singer/dancers that could light up the city of Alexandria for a month. Jahi Kearse...was absolutely stunning in his acting, singing and dancing. He ruled the stage throughout and rightly so. His bandy legged dancing and undulating body musculature seemed to defy nature. The quintet [are] an exceptional variation jazz group. And noted dancer, Maurice Hines, gets kudos for his top rated choreography." Bob Anthony, AllArtsReview4U
Labels: CPP, Reviews
