Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – In a ferociously committed performance, Laiona Michelle uncannily channels the great Nina Simone in LITTLE GIRL BLUE

• By drediman
• March 21, 2022
• No Comments

This past weekend, I also caught a performance of Little Girl Blue, which is in the midst of an open run at Off-Broadway’s New World Stages (after having previously premiered at the George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick, NJ). The musical – a biographical jukebox musical about the life and times of the great Nina Simone – is the brainchild of Laiona Michelle, who also stars in the piece as the pop and civil rights icon (note that at certain performances, Crystal Joy steps into the strenuous role).

Overall, I rather enjoyed myself at the musical. Although there are some moments of heavy handedness that usually accompanies such bio-musicals – typically due to the need to inject added drama into the proceedings, which often results in cringe-worthy didacticism – Little Girl Blue largely avoids them by efficiently presenting the singer’s life story within the context of a pair of concerts over an expanse of time. The first act takes place in 1968 in a concert venue in Westbury, NY, just days after the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. In this emotionally and politically charged environment, Simone gives an electric performance that courses with heartbreak and outrage. The second act takes place eight years later, during which time the singer has moved to Switzerland. If this second concert doesn’t quite exude the intensity of the former, it’s nonetheless an insightful look into the artist’s troubled psyche.

Ms. Mitchell gives a tireless and inspired performance that uncannily channels Nina Simone, particularly her highly distinctive mannerisms and vocal stylings. It’s a meticulous performance that’s also ferociously committed, often times scarily so. The role is an endurance test for any actress – both dramatically and vocally – and Ms. Mitchell passes with flying colors. The production has been directed by Devanand Janki, who does well to maintain convincing concert-like settings, while subtly giving audiences a satisfying biographical portrait.

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LITTLE GIRL BLUE
Off-Broadway, Musical
New World Stages
2 hours, 10 minutes (with one intermission)
Open run