You know you’re in for a different show when you walk into Center Stage’s lobby.
Sand covers the floor, a makeshift hut sits in the corner, and before Wednesday’s performance, patrons danced and sipped sunset-hued rum punch as Jimmy Cliff played in the background.
This setting is meant to transport you to Bob Marley’s Jamaica, to get you in the mood for a fabulous production that had Wednesday’s audience dancing and singing in the aisles.
Marley takes place between 1976 and 1978, a turning point in the legendary reggae musician’s life, and in Jamaican politics. The themes tie well to the recent unrest in Baltimore, following the death of Freddie Gray, and Kwei-Armah added an opening scene with two cast members watching the recent protests on a smart phone.
It’s hard to pick just one thing that makes Marley so outstanding. Theater newcomer Mitchell Brunings, best known for his rendition of “Redemption Song” on Holland’s version of The Voice, is uncannily similar to Marley, both in his voice and movements, and has a commanding stage presence.
There are strong performances from the rest of the cast, as well as the ensemble, particularly Broadway-veteran Saycon Sengbloh, who plays Marley’s wife Rita. She and Brunings’ duet that combines “No Woman No Cry” and “Waiting in Vain” was a poignant highlight.
Center Stage artistic director Kwame Kwei-Armah wrote the musical, as well as directed it, and the plot has depth and strong pacing. The projections that serve as a backdrop help tie the action together, and Marley’s songs were performed expertly, and included excellent choreography.
When you attend the show, be ready to have a good time. Singing and dancing are encouraged, and ensemble members use the aisles on both levels to do just that.
After the play’s completion Wednesday, the cast escorted Marley’s daughter Cedella Marley onstage, and invited members of the audience up as well. Brunings turned the microphone to the audience, and proclaimed, “Now it’s your turn.”
The musicians started playing Marley favorites, everyone was on their feet, and the energy was electric.
Marley plays through June 14 at Center Stage.