WHEN & WHERE:
- NOV 16 @ New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), Newark, NJ
- NOV 17 @ McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton, NJ
Recognized as among the “Best of Theater, 2021” by The New York Times, The Sound of (Black) Music is a vibrant one-act concert reimagining of the classic Rogers and Hammerstein musical through a utopian, afrofuturistic lens full of love. Cherished songs such as “Do-Re-Mi,” “Edelweiss,” and “Climb Ev’ry Mountain'' are recast through a Black roots music kaleidoscope of jazz, gospel, blues, soul, funk and Afro-beat.
The Sound of (Black) Music is co-directed by Shariffa Ali and Kamilah Long, with arrangements by Mathis Picard and music direction by Vuyo Sotashe. The concert channels the singular musical gifts of some of today’s most talented Black musicians into an overflowing celebration of Black Roots music. Vocalists Vuyo Sotashe, Brianna Thomas, Charenee Wade, Alexis Lombre and Zhanna Reed are supported by an electrifying band to bring to life the most joyous and loving presentation.
The Shakes – band
Vuyo Sotashe – vocals
Brianna Thomas – vocals
Charenee Wade - vocals
Alexis Lombre – vocals
Zhanna Roeed – vocals
“Best Theater of 2021…one
of the most titanically musical nights of my year, bringing gospel, soul and
Afrobeat to Rogers and Hammerstein in ‘The Sound of [Black] Music.’” - The New York Times
