CrazySexyCool - The TLC Musical Reviews

MetroWeekly- Highly Recommended

"...At its best, the show encapsulates in one of those numbers the freshness and excitement, and, yes, the sisterhood, that these ladies bring to the stage and to the world. It’s before they’ve hit it big, and they’re determined to land a spot opening on tour for headliner MC Hammer (Christopher Henry Young, a fabulous dervish in genie pants)."

Talkin Broadway- Highly Recommended

"...Washington's Arena Stage is bringing audiences back to the joy and girl power of the 1990s singing trio TLC with the world premiere production of CrazySexyCool: The TLC Musical. Previous knowledge is not necessary regarding the three talented singers and their nine top-10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100; writer and director Kwame Kwei-Armah brings their story to life in a way that all audiences will understand."

MD Theatre Guide- Recommended

"...“CrazySexyCool” is the second studio album TLC released, containing some of their greatest hits such as “Waterfalls” and “Creep.” The 2013 film, “CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story” starring Keke Palmer, broke major network records drawing 4.5 million viewers on VH1, revitalizing the group’s modern presence in the music industry. The musical, in its world premiere at DC’s Arena stage, has been eight years in the making with heavy involvement from the living members of TLC, T-Boz and Chilli. In this rendition, writer and director Kwame Kwei Armah’s biopic attempts, and mostly succeeds in, compiling the devastating struggles that plagued TLC’s meteoric rise with their ingenious music."

Morris Theatre DC- Somewhat Recommended

"...Of the three Things, characterization is where CrazySexyCool succeeds the most. The members of TLC are riveting characters, and the performances are superb in bringing that to fruition on stage. Even when the cheap script undersells them, the core trio are so good that it distracts you from it. Holli’ Gabrielle Conway’s T-Boz portrays intelligent leadership, which struggles to maintain itself as her body fails her. Similarly, the progression of Stoney B. Woods’ Chili from outcast to the voice behind some of their biggest hits is outstanding."

Hill Rag- Highly Recommended

"...CrazySexyCool is not a jukebox musical. The script excavates and lays out the subtext that TLC’s musical catalog implies. And these performers come off as musicians in the Black American music tradition who could hold a stadium audience but who are performing for their fans in The Kreeger Theater. Audience members were calling back to the performers at the right moments (and because this music is firmly in a particular tradition, they did not need to be instructed when the right moments were) and dancing in their seats. The show is unapologetically Black. It’s like walking into a secular version of a Black church. Ain’t nobody going to throw you out. (I remember Emmanuel AME Church, here.) But whether you relax into it or not, the ritual will continue."

A Theatre-Goer's Thoughts- Highly Recommended

"...This is a world premiere production that should, no doubt, have a life beyond its current run at Arena Stage (which continues through August 9). Broadway perhaps, regional theatre for certain. TLC fans should rush to obtain tickets (or likely may have already done so), as should any aficionado of 90s music in general or girl groups, or just theatregoers who are seeking an entertaining, thoughtful production. If opening night was any indication, DC audiences will be enthusiastic and vocal in their response to this moving musical, which serves as a fitting tribute to the group."

DC Theater Arts- Highly Recommended

"...Three women lie motionless onstage, each isolated in her own pool of light as the opening strains of “What About Your Friends” echo through Arena Stage’s intimate Kreeger Theater. It is an image of grief, loneliness, and fractured sisterhood. Nearly two hours later, that same image returns — but now they stand. Facing the audience, their voices no longer wail in anguish but ring out with resolve and defiance. In that poignant visual echo, CrazySexyCool – The TLC Musical reveals what it has been about all along."