The Wizard of Hip (or When in Doubt Slam Dunk) at MetroStage

The Wizard of Hip (or When in Doubt Slam Dunk)

MetroStage
1201 North Royal Street Alexandria

What does it mean to be hip? More than 30 years ago, Thomas W. Jones II took the question on with breathtaking verve and style in his hit off-Broadway show The Wizard of Hip (or When in Doubt Slam Dunk). Now, his hilarious exploration of growing up from adolescence to adulthood and beyond makes a triumphant return at MetroStage in Alexandria. While his journey is fueled by a rousing band and the lovely Lady Doo Wops, Jones' remount finds his everyman hero, Afro Jo, a little older, grayer, but also a little wiser as he carries on in his fast-paced quest to find a place of comfort and peace in this tumultuous world.

Thru - Sep 17, 2017

Wednesdays: 8:00pm

Thursdays: 8:00pm

Fridays: 8:00pm

Saturdays: 3:00pm & 8:00pm

Sundays: 3:00pm & 7:00pm

www.metrostage.org/wizard-of-hip.html#.WYs8rnd96F0

The Wizard of Hip (or When in Doubt Slam Dunk) Reviews

Average Rating based on 5 reviews

Highly Recommended
Recommended
Somewhat Recommended
Not Recommended

Washington Post - Recommended

"...Jones is aware that “The Wizard of Hip” has been around the block a few times: Early in the production, he jokes that the title phrase should really be “The Wizard of Hip Replacement.” In fact, well traveled though it might be, the show still has verve to spare."

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- Celia Wren

MetroWeekly - Somewhat Recommended

"...MetroStage's revival of The Wizard of Hip, also directed and choreographed by Jones, marks the performer's long-awaited debut on his home stage. And he commands the spare set, designed by Carl Gudenius and Shuxing Fan, with an ease and comfort that warms the crowd. He also supplies boundless energy, matched amply by a stellar backup duo, the triple-threat Lady Doo Wops (Jasmine Eileen Coles and Kanysha Williams). Their infectious charm and camaraderie shines through in sweet harmonies and funky moves. Would were the book's emotional transitions as silky smooth, or the small backing band, consisting of Knowles on keyboards, and Greg Holloway on drums, as snappy on their cues as the Lady Doo Wops."

- Andre Hereford

Talkin Broadway - Somewhat Recommended

"...Jones is a winning performer and the two women are delightful, but enough is enough. The production is tiring despite a minimalist staging: the set design by Carl Gudenius and Shuxing Fan consists of platforms and a rear wall that displays Robbie Hayes' projection designs, while Michael Sharp's costumes tend toward gray and black athletic wear."

- Susan Berlin

DCTheatreScene - Recommended

"...Thomas W. Jones II is older and grayer than when I saw his show 25 years ago but The Wizard of Hip is just as poignant and entertaining as he struts his stuff and delivers bucket loads of amazing life-observations."

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- Debbie Minter Jackson

DC Theater Arts - Highly Recommended

"...The Wizard of Hip or When in Doubt, Slam Dunk is a swish - a home run, to mix-in athletic metaphors. Jones is good-humored, wise, and totally hip with his storytelling. This is not late-night, cable comedy. What could have been like an old, stale routine feels fresh and memorable as Jones crosses many boundaries."

- David Siegel

The Wizard of Hip (or When in Doubt Slam Dunk) at MetroStage