MAGICAL ‘AFTER MIDNIGHT’: The cast of the new Broadway musical. Photo: Matthew Murphy

AFTER MIDNIGHT
Conceived by Jack Viertel
Music & lyrics by Various Artists
Directed & choreographed by Warren Carlyle
Brooks Atkinson Theatre
256 West 47th Street
New York, NY
877-250-2929; AfterMidnightBroadway.com

By David NouNou

Wow!

The joint is jumping with nonstop joy. 90 minutes of heart-pounding confections from the era that gave us jazz, Duke Ellington and The Cotton Club. I’m thrilled to report that After Midnight is not a jukebox musical or compilations of songs by various artists strung together with a lame storyline. This is distilled, electrifying rhythm that explodes from the stage, thanks in large part to the 17-piece Jazz at Lincoln Center All Stars Orchestra, which was handpicked by Wynton Marsalis. This is one of the rarest of occasions that the real star of the evening is the orchestra.

What is astonishing here is the brilliant pacing and placement of the artists, songs, choreography and musicians. This can be attributed to the imaginative direction and choreography by Warren Carlyle. Every number is a gem; not a single filler in the entire evening. Every time you think you’ve seen the standout number of the evening, sure enough the next number tops it.

The only spoken words are the introduction by our host and tour guide to the Cotton Club, the smooth and charming Dule Hill. He is one of the brilliant members of the all- singing and dancing ensemble. The main attraction of the piece is “American Idol” winner Fantasia Barrino. Her rendition of Duke Ellington’s “Zaz Zuh Zaz” is perfection. The evening is full of wonderful and entertaining turns by the entire cast. To give you a breakdown of the numbers would be unfair if for no other reason it takes the pleasure out of experiencing them firsthand. There is nothing worse than a critic setting up a spoiler alert and taking away the surprise elements and pleasure for a viewer to witness for themselves.

Suffice it to say, go to the Cotton Club by way of After Midnight and have a great time. Wish I was there again to see it with you.

‘AFTER MIDNIGHT’ MARVELOUS MADNESS: Virgil Lil O Gadson, Karine Plantadit and company. Photo: Matthew Murphy

TERRIFIC TRIO: Daniel J. Watts, Dormeshia Sumbry-Edward & Phillip Attmore in ‘After Midnight.’ Photo: Matthew Murphy

Nominated for 7 Tony Awards, including Best Musical; Supporting Actress (Adriane Lenox); Best Director (Warren Carlyle); Best Costume Design; Lighting Design; Sound Design.

Winner, Warren Carlyle, Best Choreographer.

Edited by Scott Harrah
Published November 7, 2013
Reviewed at press performance on November 6, 2013

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