Damon Rutledge (l.), Marion Newton, Marcus Clark Oliver, Ricardo Mowatt, Eddie Goines, Randy Ross, Tiffany Coty, in Birdland Blue, presented by Robey Theatre Company at Los Angeles Theatre Center. (Photo by Ian Foxx)
Damon Rutledge (l.), Marion Newton, Marcus Clark Oliver, Ricardo Mowatt, Eddie Goines, Randy Ross, Tiffany Coty, in Birdland Blue, presented by Robey Theatre Company at Los Angeles Theatre Center. (Photo by Ian Foxx)

Birdland Blue

Review by David Cruz-Chevez
Robey Theatre Company
Through May 12

[Note: This review is part of the Z. Clark Branson/Stage Raw Equity and Inclusion Initiative for Young Journalists. Stage Raw staff are mentoring the young authors, as they build their professional resumes as arts journalists.] 

RECOMMENDED:

The story of Randy Ross’s Birdland Blue is truly powerful, exploring how members of the Miles Davis Sextet struggled to coexist with the rest of 1959 society, while also detailing the events of one extraordinary night at the legendary Birdland nightclub in New York City. The production, smoothly directed by Ben Guillory, also highlights the brilliance of Sextet at the height of its glory, as well as the turmoil its musicians found themselves in. As portrayed here, the famed members of the Sextet are gracious and dynamic and, while working in such a conflicted time, feel strikingly authentic.

Marcus Clark Oliver as Mike Davis is a display of a man who is struggling with his own demons, but trying to remain composed, despite being slightly on the verge of losing it all. As Paul Chambers, Rogelio Douglas III plays a man going through a hard time and brings a somberness to the production. The performance of musicians Marion Newton, Richardo Mowatt and Randy Ross capture the musical essence of the Miles Davis Sextet. The story — told by John Coltrane (Jermaine Alexander) and Julian “Cannonball” Adderly (Damon Rutledge) — displays what is was like for the musical group to be on the brink of disbanding, due to their personal struggles and financial hardships. Tiffany Coty as Lucinda Holmes — a journalist who is seen for her sexuality rather than her actual talents — demonstrates how women have experienced their fair share of success and gains through different means. The moment that Wynton Kelly (Eddie Golmes) walks on stage, it feels as if he carries with him a tone of comedic relief but a feeling of joy. His Jamaican accent only amplifies the feeling, and enhances his performance.

Lighting designer Michael D. Ricks makes a moody show transform into a joyful experience with the right shades and lighting. The mixed usage of blues, yellows, pinks and reds transform how the audience experiences the production by bringing an array of bright colors to the show. The production of Birdland Blue perfectly blends various emotional tones and elements together, which gives us as the audience a satisfying feeling, but leaves us craving to know more about the events of that night.

Thanks to set designer Ernest Gardner, every piece of the set and furniture transports the audience to 1959 Birdland, and makes it truly feel like we are witnessing one of the greatest sextets to ever grace a stage.

The Los Angeles Theatre Company, 514 S. Spring St., Downtown L.A.; Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m.; through May 12. https://robeytheatrecompany.com/birdland-blue-2/. Running time: 90 minutes with no intermission.