Playing Hot NYC Reviews and Tickets

77%

(41 Ratings)

Positive

88%

Mixed

10%

Negative

Members say

Entertaining, Ambitious, Clever, Absorbing, Refreshing

About the Show

Pipeline Theatre Company presents the world premiere of this jazz concert-party-play hybrid, which takes you inside a brassy New Orleans dance hall, where the untold story of the birth of jazz is brought to life.

Retracing the rise and fall of Buddy Bolden, the radical trumpeter who pioneered America's Art Form, "Playing Hot" is neither play nor musical, neither biography nor period piece -- but a singular theatrical event in the style of jazz. With the help of a live brass band, Buddy's legend and infectious sound echo through time, riffing on history and pop culture much like his music riffed on the notes on the page.

Show-Score Member Reviews (41)

Resonant, Quirky, Clever, Ambitious, Entertaining

See it if You are okay with unorthodox staging, you like live music and interactive theatre and enjoying learning.

Don't see it if You are unable to “give yourself” to a performance; you will be standing, dancing; jostled and if you’re short sometimes you won’t see.

Great staging, Refreshing, Ambitious, Entertaining, Clever

See it if You love jazz music and are interested in seeing innovative, immersive storytelling.

Don't see it if You're uncomfortable with standing for a 90 minute show.

Great music, Indulgent, Clever, Ambitious, Absorbing

See it if you like live music, New Orleans jazz; you're curious about the history of jazz

Don't see it if you don't want to stand for over an hour; you don't want to be forced to dance; you prefer non-interactive shows Read more

Disappointing, Cliched, Banal

See it if You're satisfied to endure amateurish theatrics for a dose of expertly done trad jazz...overseen by former Miles Davis man Marcus Miller.

Don't see it if You can't stand (needlessly) for almost the entire show, and cringe at a lead actor who blows great horn but can't really act.

During previews

Quirky, Great staging, Funny, Entertaining, Clever

See it if You like jazz music and are looking for a fun somewhat interactive show that tells one of the stories about the beginning of jazz music

Don't see it if You want a traditional theater experience Read more

During previews

Refreshing, Great singing, Great acting, Entertaining, Delightful

See it if Young, enthusiastic , talented performers with lively old school New Orleans music. Enjoys historical fiction

Don't see it if Not interested in out of the box entertainment . Only enjoys serious pedantic dramas Read more

During previews

Quirky, Great singing, Entertaining, Clever, Absorbing

See it if You love live, traditional, NoLa jazz, it's origins, & a non-traditional theater presentation. You enjoy music, dancing, and participation.

Don't see it if You dislike, live jazz, not having a regular, theater seat ( many stand for this show), and "get into the action" theatrical offerings.

During previews

Great music, Funny, Entertaining, Clever

See it if You like immersive shows, jazz, black culture, and some irreverent fun. It was cool to learn about the little known creator of jazz.

Don't see it if You want a traditional play. Are bothered by performers playing multiple characters. Some chairs were available, but it's mostly standing. Read more

Critic Reviews (3)

Trailer

Creative team

Jaki Bradley

Director

Pipeline Theatre Company