"Little on NY stages right now is as much flat-out fun...Has lost nothing of its high spirits—or, sadly, of its relevance...Material that is wonderfully motley and personal...The result, for all its idiosyncrasy, rings authentic...O’Hara’s production favors the kind of wild spontaneity you find in his own plays over a more tucked-in approach. Combined with the short rehearsal time, that leaves 'Bubbly Black Girl' a bit ragged in places, though never when it sings."
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"It is a smart, unusual and interesting show and an ideal programming choice for the Off-Center series...With an outsize smile and big voice, James more than captures Viveca’s sunny personality, sincerity and innocence...The score has some catchy pop/R&B sections, but is mostly forgettable, and the book scenes can be meandering...But the key idea behind the show...is explored by Childs with great humor and honesty."
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"Many of the songs and scenes in 'Bubbly Black Girl' feel like they were written in direct response to today...The strength of Childs's book derives from the childlike propensity for openly discussing those things that most adults have the good sense to avoid...Director Robert O'Hara smartly does little to dissipate that discomfort, resulting in a concert presentation that is as dramatically compelling as it is tuneful...The staging also benefits from a remarkable performance by James."
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“One of the most remarkable aspects of Childs’ debut musical is that the racism that Bubbly witnesses and experiences is woven into a show that is full of satire, given hilarious expression in this production by the director, Robert O’Hara...But the satire is folded into an all-around entertainment. Childs melodic songs range from jazz to funk to gospel to Broadway ballads…Another highlight of this production was Byron Easley’s choreography…A triumph and a delight in every way.”
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"James is onstage pretty much the entire time, and every minute of it she’s an absolute joy to watch...O'Hara brings to the fore the exuberant energy and bright irreverence that make 'The Bubbly Black Girl' pop, and helps make it one of the zippiest, funniest shows you can see right now. And one of the best sung. James is in very fine voice, and she gets sterling support from the ensemble."
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"I had a great time at 'Bubbly Black Girl'...The music is just filled with joy, I don't know how else to describe it. It's as thought-provoking as it is joyful, though. Even when 'Bubbly Black Girl' tackles tough subjects, which it does...the musical presents these serious moments with clear-eyed honesty, yet you still feel the affection for these characters...Nikki M. James is a delight as Viveca, so so funny and smart...The direction and the choreography are just first-rate."
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"Played brilliantly by James...this Viveca is a three-dimensional character whose journey has resonance...The cast is strong across the board...Childs’s book and lyrics are stronger than her work here as composer. The songs...have funny, clever lyrics, but the music tends toward excessive repetition...Encores! Off-Center productions must grapple with finding just the right tone...In this regard, O’Hara and choreographer Easley have been quite successful."
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