Harlem Repertory Theatre presents a revival of this 1957 Calypso musical by Yip Harburg and Harold Arlen ('The Wizard of Oz') which was a hit for Lena Horne. More…
'Jamaica' centers around a beautiful island girl named Savannah. She dreams of leaving her simple home for bustling New York City. But when a NYC businessman asks for her hand in marriage, she's not sure she wants to go. The production examines how an isolated community navigates the perils of love, family, and relationships while confronting the increasing pressures of American commercialism, class struggles, and racism.
See it if Arlen/Harburg's 1957 musical about what "island folks" are like Very dated (how could it not be?) Highly energetic choreography adds a lot
Don't see it if First act vintage 50's musical; 2nd act gets too socio-political but classic 'happy ending' Three leads work hard to keep show on track
See it if you like a boy-meets-girl play; you're a fan or Harold Arlen & Yip Harburg; themes of forgiveness & transformation warm your heart
Don't see it if bad acting or lack of excitement puts you off; you're from Jamaica because there were no Jamaican accents nor relatable West Indian themes
Also Saw it 12/22/2018. "Jamaica" is still onstage in East Harlem & not clo... Read more Read less
See it if You are curious about the Arlen score.
Don't see it if You are a purist and cannot deal with semi-professional, essential community theater.
See it if Love good stories for the time and music.
Don't see it if Hate musicals and dancing.
See it if want to experience a refreshing trip to the west indies
Don't see it if do not enjoy calypso
See it if you want to support the HRT. Some cast members are really good.
Don't see it if you want a "broadway" experience. This was very low budget. Some of the mics were not working properly.
Also I like to leave the theater singing a song from the show. THis was not... Read more Read less
See it if you want to support an ambitious theatre company.
Don't see it if you're expecting the 1957 musical Jamaica.
See it if Harold Arlen’s music and Yip Harbug’s book & lyrics interest you.You enjoy an uneven, energetic cast try to make sense of a 60 yr old show.
Don't see it if You’re not engaged by community theatre performances, can’t stand bad sound design, or are not interested in the Arlen/Harburg collaboration
Also I am an Arlen lover from way back. He is the most sung yet least sung ... Read more Read less
See it if You like good singing and a romantic story line.
Don't see it if You don't like musicals.
See it if I THOUGHT THERE WAS A LOT OF GREAT EFFORT ON THIS MUSICAL CONSIDERING A DATED BOOK, THE LEAD ACTRESS WAS GREAT
Don't see it if IF YOU DONT LIKE CULTURAL MUSICALS THAT TOOK A CHANCE ON OLDER MATERIAL
See it if Because it was on Broadway in 50's and Lena Horne was the lead
Don't see it if you are expecting a cast of more than college quality.
See it if you want to support HRT or you are curious about the show.
Don't see it if You want to see a well-produced show. Cast needs more rehearsal time. Technical difficulties were very distracting.
Also I was surprised and disappointed with this show. There audio was terri... Read more Read less
See it if you are not familiar with this seldom seen musical. Has lots of heart, some wonderful songs/music, and a very enthusiastic group of singers.
Don't see it if you expect a big Broadway/style musical. Sets are simple but evocative with special video to complement the great singing and acting.See it.
See it if you are a student of historic forgotten musicals. The production did a great job with a dated and problematical book. Fun evening.
Don't see it if you are looking for a traditional happy musical. I applaud the company for bringing this musical to light and showing its relevance to today
See it if you are curious about old Broadway musicals, particularly ones with African-American casts and ones by Arlen and Yarburg.
Don't see it if you expect a hidden treasure rather than one whose obscurity is well-deserved, notwithstanding that Lena Horne starred in the original.
Also The night we saw it there were problems with the sound. The actor-sing... Read more Read less
See it if You absolutely have to see every musical you haven't seen (as I do) but despite some nice dancing, this ones a big dud. Maybe w/ Lena Horne?
Don't see it if You hate insipid musicals books. The cast tries so hard but alas....You hate to ask yourself why?
See it if You want to visit a rarely-performed Arlen-Harburg musical that was a star vehicle for Lena Horne on Broadway 60 years ago. The band is good
Don't see it if U want grand sets. It's more community theater w/earnest but uneven performances & audio bugs. The play wants to be South Pacific-it's not.
See it if You are from the islands and.will be able to understand the accents. And if you feel strongly about supporting the Harlem Rep theater.
Don't see it if You expect a polished musical production, strong visual sets, good choreography.
Also Saw Raisin in the Sun" Expected a better production. Some of the voice... Read more Read less
See it if If you are a supporter Harlem Rep Theater. A family friendly show lots of singing an dancing.
Don't see it if You want a grand scale production . It dragged on at times. The theater is okay,but the sound system could use some improvement .
See it if you like not slick or fancy but sincere shows, and if you appreciate the genius of Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg, who wrote it.
Don't see it if You demand Broadway slickness and perfect sound quality and famous names who are frequently over-rated.