![]() The admirable aspirations behind the Flamingo Grill - trying to create a “palace of peace and harmony” in a world of hate and indifference - were short-lived. Almost as though he were consciously checking off as many historical events and still-relevant social issues as possible, DePoy works in passing mentions of segregated drinking fountains, lunch-counter protests and bus boycotts - interspersed with moments of more direct and immediate conflict from right outside the nightclub’s door: a drive-by shooting, even a bombing (depicted in stark slow motion). Yes, needless to say, there’s “trouble” ahead. Adding to the dramatic mix of the play, Ben also happens to be Jewish, and their local business partner (Robin Bloodworth) also happens to identify as “queer.” It’s not big on characterization, but it has something intangible that makes me urge you not to miss this show.įor tickets and information, visit the time Nick’s finally breaks ground and takes off in Atlanta (circa 1958), Ben and his longtime Cuban girlfriend, Chi Chi (Rodriguez), are the unmarried parents of a 7-year-old daughter. “Nick’s” is bracing, vibrant, romantic, tragic-and well-nigh irresistible. (This is why I mentioned New Orleans earlier but that’s not where “Nick’s Flamingo Grill” happened. The performers gallantly do their best to recover, but it’s not easy. ![]() There is a bombing of the club-more than one. Racism, sexism, homophobia-all rear their ugly heads. Jimmy Kieffer, Antwayn Hopper, and Diany Rodriguez.īut-this is 1950’s Atlanta. Demesier’s Claudine is enchanting when she’s onstage, you tend to focus on her. DePoy writes lyrics and additional music (a true Renaissance man). Tyrone Jackson is the composer, orchestrator, and music director he’s terrific. In fact, every actor I’ve mentioned is top notch, and most sing like a dream. Rodriguez, one of the most versatile actor-singers in Atlanta, just keeps on getting better. ![]() The audience sits on either side of the stage every seat is a good one. ![]() They stayed in Paris a bit after the war and played at Le Mars Club.ĭirector Kajese-Bolden and scenic designer Robinson are brilliantly successful in creating an enticing jazz club ambience. However, thanks to the playwright’s powerful dramatic imagination, the story of “Nick’s Flamingo Grill” begins in Paris during World War II when friends Chi-Chi (Diany Rodriguez), Ben (Jimmy Kieffer), Bechet (Antwayn Hopper), and Claudine (Shakirah Demesier) became pals and bonded over jazz and gumbo, made by friend Nick (Cordell Cole). It reminds me a bit of “Brigadoon,” the Lerner and Lowe musical about a Scottish village which appears for one day every hundred years. DePoy has interviewed several musicians and audience members, and something existed there. #Flamingo grill reviews licenseHe suspects it never had a business license or even a name.” The program notes the club was “more of an ad-hoc jam spot in a run-down building than an actual club” and interestingly, “DePoy has never been able to find verifiable proof of its existence. DePoy and his brother were children, their dad, a musician, would play music there with top-notch musicians for integrated audiences. ![]() It seems there was a short-lived downtown jazz club back then, and when Mr. ![]()
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