“If music be the food of love, play on,” says Duke Orsino in Act 1, Scene 1 of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Play on, indeed, as Duke Ellington pines for his love interest, Lady Liv, in this lively, energetic production of Cheryl L. West’s jazz adaptation.
Signature Theatre was transformed into 1930s Harlem’s Cotton Club. From my stage-front table, I observed the fast-paced “Play On,” where disguises, mistaken identities, unrequited love, roadblocks, and burning passions energize both performance and progression.
Duke Ellington’s music—including “Take the A Train,” “Mood Indigo,” “It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing,” “Rocks in My Bed,” and twenty more numbers—tells the story of Duke’s unrequited love for Lady Liv, serious Miss Mary demanding faithfulness from her love interest Sweets, Vy’s secret passion for Duke, and poor Rev’s infatuation with Lady Liv.
Shakespeare’s play adapts beautifully to Prohibition-era America. West streamlines the original by eliminating the shipwreck and twin brother subplot, replacing them with wide-eyed Vy arriving in Harlem to write songs, only to be told by her uncle Jester that women aren’t songwriters in Duke Ellington’s world—or anyone else’s.
Awa Sal Secka (Lady Liv) in Play On! Photo by Christopher Mueller
I observed exceptional depth across every aspect of this production. The set design captured the Cotton Club’s authentic 1930s atmosphere, complete with the “Southern” elements that appealed to the patrons of its time. The costuming was both period-accurate and creative. Lady Liv’s garments were eye-catching and exceptionally flattering, each telling its own story as Awa Sal Secka brilliantly embodied the character. Vy’s yellow “Sunday” hat spoke volumes of her innocence.
My proximity allowed me to observe the actors’ skillful presentations. They were not acting—they were the characters. Their connections were palpable through eye contact, flirtations, and emotional range. I was truly “there, at the Club.”
Top L. Wesley J. Barnes (Jester) Photo by Daniel Rader, Top R. Derrick D. Turby, Jr. (Sweets) and Kanysha Williams (Miss Mary) photo by Christopher Mueller, middle R. Jalisa Williams (Vy- man) and Greg Watkins (Duke) photo by Christopher Mueller, bottom R. Jalisa Williams (Vy) and Awa Sal Secka (Lady Liv) photo by Christopher Mueller, Bottom – Greg Watkins (Duke) and Jalisa Williams (Vy-Man) and the cast of Play On! photo by Daniel Rader.
Like Shakespeare, West addresses social issues without belaboring them. Beyond the obvious romantic entanglements, segregation and dismissal of women’s potential remain present yet were overcome. Women can’t write music? How about a woman in a well-fitted man’s suit and fedora? The solutions were abundant, clever, and thoroughly entertaining.
Greg Watkins (Duke) Photo by: Awa Sal Secka (Lady Liv) Photo by: Jalisa Williams (Vy-Man) Photo by: Daniel Rader Christopher Muller Daniel Rader
Duke Ellington’s beloved music warmed the atmosphere and predisposed us to be entertained. Entertained we were—both myself and the full house. A friend who saw the play later in the week remarked at how much she enjoyed the “Rocks In My Bed” number with Sweets and Jester. My companion told me how she was fascinated by the dance execution going from raucous tap to pin-drop silent dance on the same shoes.
Wesley J. Barnes (Jester) and Derrick D. Turby (Sweets) PC: Christopher Mueller Greg Watkins (Duke),Jalisa Williams (Vy) and Cast PC: Daniel Rader
Play On! runs at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia until October 5. This production is perfect for jazz, musical, dance, and feel-good fans. Of course, Shakespeare fans will find it cleverly entertaining. If you want a happy, energetic production to clear away the day’s concerns—this is it. Buy tickets soon – it sells out.
Cheers and Final Bows – PC: Krasi Henkel
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