Nina at Arena Players

MD Theatre Guide - Highly Recommended

"...When it’s time to belt out a number, Lione shows off a voice that’s more sonorous than Simone’s was. She’s a bit throatier—almost reminiscent of Sarah Vaughn. Her pitch isn’t always perfect, but Lione’s voice and presence carry a tractor trailer load of charisma. In the closing verse of “Four Women,” she spools up the energy to a gospel shout. It’s the highlight of the second act, which she shares with dancers and singers including Melissa Jones, Morgan K. Martin, and Tanya Smith. Choreography is by De’asia Ellis, who is also featured on stage, and Simone’s mother is played in vignette by Brenda Rann. Apart from the song and dance sequences by these artists, the show includes rousing numbers by the group Tapsichore. They remind one of the great hoofing traditions of Simone’s era and earlier."