Blackberry Daze at MetroStage

Blackberry Daze

MetroStage
1201 North Royal Street Alexandria

It is the end of “The Great War”, and a small Virginia town is rocked by secrets and seduction as Herman Camm, a provocative gambler, weaves his magic on the lives of three unsuspecting women, Mae Lou and her daughter Carrie, and Pearl, a blues singer at the local juke joint. TC Carson (Living Single) and Roz White (Black Pearl Sings!) lead an exciting ensemble of Washington’s most eclectic and exciting talent. This musical adaptation of Ruth P. Watson’s romantic mystery thriller (Blackberry Days of Summer) is a world premiere with Thomas W. Jones II (Three Sistahs, Bessie’s Blues) direction and William Knowles’ dazzling period score.

Thru - Oct 9, 2016

Wednesdays: 8:00pm

Thursdays: 8:00pm

Fridays: 8:00pm

Saturdays: 3:00pm & 8:00pm

Sundays: 3:30pm & 7:00pm

Price: $55 - $60

Box Office: 703-548-9044

Running Time: 2 hrs ; one intermission

metrostage.org/blackberry-daze.html#.V5-sqrgrKUk

Blackberry Daze Reviews

Average Rating based on 5 reviews

Highly Recommended
Recommended
Somewhat Recommended
Not Recommended

Washington Post - Somewhat Recommended

"...Watson has adapted the book with director-choreographer Thomas W. Jones II, and a novelistic tone sometimes juts in as the story switches focus. At first the show seems to be about Mae Lou (the tart but likable Roz White), the widow who marries the snakelike Herman Camm (played and sung with slithering menace by TC Carson). Then it seems to be about the lusty nightclub singer Pearl (an earthy Yvette Spears), who’s willing to cheat with Camm while her hot-tempered husband Willie (Duane Richards II) is away fighting World War I."

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- Nelson Pressley

DC Theater Arts - Highly Recommended

"...Blackberry Daze is a splendid musical featuring powerful vocals. As it did for its Labor Day weekend opening, the show should have no problem filling the seats at Metro Stage to capacity."

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- William Powell

Talkin Broadway - Highly Recommended

"...MetroStage in Alexandria, Virginia, bills its entertaining world premiere production Blackberry Daze as a romantic mystery thriller—but the whodunit part of the plot is less important than the soulful singing and plot entanglements that keep the audience engrossed."

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- Susan Berlin

MD Theatre Guide - Highly Recommended

"...Director/artist Thomas W. Jones II is a theatrical threat on many fronts: he choreographs, he directs, he writes scripts and lyrics-you name it he does it. What's more, he has some of the most talented performers in his rolodex for any project he chooses. The results may not be perfect every time out of the gate, but I guarantee you Jones and his ensemble will always give you a thrilling, uplifting show."

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- Andrew White

DCTheatreScene - Somewhat Recommended

"...Despite the excellent artistry at work, the new piece still struggles to find its footing in consistency and tone. The text can only cover so much material, and some transitions are emotionally choppy with dramatic messages that pop in and out, cloaked in a song. Jones assures a crackling good time with passages that are hysterically funny—catch Roz White as Mae Lou galloping her buggy! That’s all fine, except when a bouncy segment follows a scene of horrendous child abuse and predatory assault. These are tough issues and the stylized rendition is chillingly effective. Following that with a peppy ensemble number glosses over the harshness of the situation. A novel can provide time and space to come to grips with the pain of this victimization and its daunting consequences. In a musical, it’s awkward, uncomfortable, and needs a more palatable resolution."

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- Debbie Minter Jackson

Blackberry Daze Photo Gallery

Blackberry Daze at MetroStage

Blackberry Daze

Blackberry Daze Reviews

Washington Post - Somewhat Recommended

DC Theater Arts - Highly Recommended

Talkin Broadway - Highly Recommended

MD Theatre Guide - Highly Recommended

DCTheatreScene - Somewhat Recommended

Blackberry Daze Photo Gallery

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