The latest (and last?) show from Kander and Ebb is musical theatre heaven! The somber and true story of 9 African-American men falsely accused of raping 2 white women is told using a highly theatrical minstrel framework that delivers not only solid entertainment, but also packs an emotional wallop. It's definitely the best work I've ever seen from director-choreographer Susan Stroman, who has racked up as many flops (think Thou Shalt Not) as she has hits (like The Producers). When the material is this great, you don't need a set or much in the way of props (this production only uses 13 chairs for 13 actors and a handful of wood boards and simple costumes). This production is all about Stroman's imaginative, energetic, (insert any adjective for fantastic) staging. Bravo!
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