Oh, what a night!
Opening night of the new musical Uncle Jed’s Barbershop was a night to remember! Even though I have seen every rendition of the show, I felt like I was seeing it for the very first time due to the freshness of its present incarnation and the exuberance of its actors and dancers. High-spirited music and soul-stirring singing took me back in time.
From Bring Our Brother Home to It Felt So Real the strong, powerful voices of the actors as they sang transported me to rural Arkansas where I dreamed along with Uncle Jed about his barbershop. The incomparable Mary Louise Lee and Yasmine Hunter brought Sarah Jean to life as she dreamed right along with Uncle Jed.
Ken Prymus as Uncle Jed looks as if he stepped right out of the pages of the book. The voices of Nora Cole as Twyla and Terry Burrell as Rachel soar through pain and hope.
After the show there were copies of the book Uncle Jed’s Barbershop available for me to sign. Enthusiastic theater goers eagerly purchased them all!
I met people who had travelled from New York , Washington, D. C., and other locations to see the show. Special thanks to my Colorado friends Larry and Carol Weaver, and Leslie Henderson who flew in from Houston, TX.
Opening night was magical! It was a joy to sit in the theater and experience the talented cast – actors, singers, dancers, and musicians – who brought Uncle Jed’s Barbershop to life!
A special shout-out to David Wohl, Kenneth Grimes, and Susan Einhorn for their creative vision. You have nurtured the show from just a thought in your mind to a world-class production!
Uncle Jed’s Barbershop is in Denver at the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theater through October 18, 2015.