Broadway in Chicago presents the Broadway-bound A WONDERFUL WORLD, a new musical about the life and loves of Louis Armstrong.
Legendary trumpeter Louis Armstrong was an entertainer and led an entertaining life. The multi-talented performer’s story is told from the perspective of his four wives. Christopher Renshaw and Andrew Delaplaine conceived the idea and enticed Aurin Squire to write the book. The results is a musical spanning seven decades. From his humble jazz New Orleans roots to becoming a U.S. ambassador, a scrappy Armstrong strived for stardom while confronting racism, satisfying his libido and reinventing himself. And everything he did he did with his signature gravely voice and gregarious smile.
Director Renshaw brings his vision and the memory of Armstrong to life with Tony Award Winner James Monroe Iglehart (Louis). Iglehart is superb. He personifies Armstrong’s singing and grinning to perfection. His talent and quick-wit seduces the audience and his love interests. The wives are fierce and distinct. They rival each other and Iglehart for attention and personality. The feisty Khalifa White (Daisy) and classy Jennie Harney-Fleming (Lil) fight and duet with powerhouse pipes. Brennyn Lark (Alpha) enters meekly and exits defiantly. And a vivacious Ta’Rae Campbell (Lucille) saunters in and sets up house. These four wives, collectively and individually, keep the narrative moving and support Armstrong in every aspect of his life.
The narrative itself could use a little trimming. Although it probably nicely showcases Armstrong’s style, an interactive scene could be cut to tighten the nearly three hour show. In addition, the production, especially at the beginning, had sound issues. Microphones were muffled or crackling and the orchestra drowned out lyrics. The interactions were hard to understand particularly competing with audience distractions.*
Still, A WONDERFUL WORLD is nostalgic and fun. The familiar songs, like “It’s a Wonderful World”, are sentimental flashbacks. Along with the strong principals, the solid ensemble bring the party with spirited high jinks and energetic moves. Choreographer Rickey Tripp orchestrates unique dance tributes thru the multiple eras. From slinky jazz to Chicago stepping, the spinning and hoofing is transfixing. In addition, the colorful and elegant costumes (designed by Toni-Leslie James) add to the visual merriment.
Louis Armstrong led a fascinating life of evolution and contradiction. He refused to abide by racist ‘norms.’ Yet, he wanted a traditional home life with a wife in the kitchen. Armstrong became infamous as the ‘best trumpeter in the world’ largely due to his wives’ influence and belief in him. The story is charming and riveting. A WONDERFUL WORLD is in a word… wonderful!
*SIDE NOTE: The night of my performance an unusually large number of latecomers were seated. The first twenty minutes was an ongoing disruption of rows getting up to allow people access to their seats. It was incredibly disengaging! Have we lost our understanding of live theatre? It isn’t Netflix. There is no pause button. Don’t be late. Be respectful to the performers and your seat mates.
Running Time: Two hours and fifty minutes includes an intermission
At Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph
Conceived by Christopher Renshaw and Andrew Delaplaine
Book by Aurin Squire
Directed by Christopher Renshaw
Featuring songs recorded by Louis Armstrong
Music supervision and direction, co-arrangements, orchestrations by Anastasia Victory and Michael O. Mitchell
Choreography and musical staging by Rickey Tripp
Performances are:
Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays at 2pm
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays at 7:30pm
Saturdays at 8pm
Thru October 29th
For more information or tickets
Production photos by Jeremy Daniels
For more Chicago theatre information and reviews, please visit Theatre in Chicago