See it if you're interested in black people's perspective of life in the midwest in the 1940s, or if you enjoy seeing new shows that have potential.
Don't see it if you're expecting a full-blown musical or a script with interesting or captivating characters and natural language. Read more
See it if don't mind jazz-inflected musical snippets rather than real book musical songs. Left at intermission as nothing had happened in all of Act 1
Don't see it if are annoyed by overly poetic dialogue and stock characters. A fabulous subject (all-female, all-black jazz group in 1940s) is squandered
See it if You like jazz music, stories of female empowerment, thought-provoking portrayal of the struggle against prejudice
Don't see it if You want light entertainment or a child-friendly show
See it if You enjoy good singing and music in a variety of genres Learning about the history of black women/people in the music business
Don't see it if You don’t think it’s worth traveling to Red Bank NJ You don’t care about hearing soul stirring music
See it if you enjoy a show that has great potential, but needs significant additional work. The production team is talented enough to pull it off
Don't see it if seeing a not quite ready for prime time show is not something you want to see Read more
See it if you enjoy jazz music. The "real" band was good and the actors were okay. Disappointed the actors were not playing the instruments.
Don't see it if You want a fast moving story. It was okay but nothing special. Found myself nodding off a bit....
See it if It's a story that needs to be told so that people understand just how bigoted and biased people were about blacks and the fear In their life
Don't see it if You're not interested in history or are a bigoted person.
See it if You like period pieces (in this case the 1940s) focusing on the African American experience at that time.
Don't see it if You don't like musicals and. multi-character dramas.
“ Ruben Santiago-Hudson expertly directs the production. This show is a treasure. Beautifully crafted and presented, it blends music, poetry and storytelling...The cast couldn't be better. They capture the humor and the drama of the story as it unfolds...You'll be very impressed by the music that accompanies ‘Oo-Bla-Dee’ and the musicians that make it happen...An insightful show, a jazz lover's experience, and one that you should put on your summer entertainment schedule.”
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"Under the direction of Santiago-Hudson, this jazz musical hums with tones both celebratory and somber. It is not a piece of work as successful as 'Crowns,' weighed down at times by dialogue that withholds music, but its high points are nonetheless exuberant, and its social commentary poignant and uncompromising...'Oo-Bla-Dee' develops unique and compelling texture to its story...Despite all its rhythm, the play also cultivates a curious stodginess in its non-musical moments."
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"Has some intriguing elements but lacks a compelling central story to tie it all together. And so it never really coheres into something that’s fully engaging...In one of director Ruben Santiago-Hudson’s best touches, the actors don’t really pretend to be playing, but move gracefully, almost like dancers, as the musicians expertly handle the actual music. We feel like we’re seeing the music, in addition to hearing it."
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