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| The kids and I with the beautiful Cedella Marley. She even signed our book! |
If you’re in the midst of spring break like me, chin up! We’ve survived through the halfway point. After Monday’s snow, it finally is beginning to feel like spring. If you’re looking a little more warmth and sunshine, take your family to see Three Little Birds, the current play at Adventure Theatre-MTC.
Bring your sunglasses because you’ll be transported straight to sunny, warm Jamaica and surrounded by the happy vibes of Bob Marley songs. The musical is based on the beautiful book of the same name by Cedella Marley (Bob Marley’s daughter). Producing Artistic Director Michael Bobbit deftly weaves Marley songs into a story about Ziggy, a boy with beautiful hair who would rather stay home with his television than venture into the scary world outside. Ziggy’s friend Nansi convinces him to venture out into the island where they battle hurricanes, mangoes and evil spirits. Don’t tell Ziggy but Nansi was my favorite character. (John L. Cornelius, II also provided additional music and lyrics.)
As someone who is familiar with only a few Bob Marley’s reggae hits, I had no problem following along and tapping my toes to the music. Even my 3-year-old danced and wiggled to the songs as he sat on my lap during the show. (He sat on my lap because he was being clingy I’m the best mom ever.) Though we did sit on the same row as Cedella Marley and her family!) I even my daughter, who is very serious about her theatre, bopping her head with the music.
The kids couldn’t stop talking about the show for days afterwards. They kept requesting for the soundtrack and acting out scenes from it. So Michael, if you’re reading this, you should create a Spotify playlist of the Bob Mareley songs in the musical and share it!
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| Photo courtesy of Adventure Theatre-MTC |
This cast is amazingly talented and it’s obvious they enjoy their jobs. If you’ve seen other shows at Adventure Theatre, you’ll recognize Jobari Parker-Namdar (Ziggy) from Mirandy and Brother Wind and A Year With Frog and Toad. My kids were immediately drawn to his character, and giggled at his tv addiction. Jaxson, my 3-year-old, was a little frightened by Duppy, the evil spirit, but the pranks that Ziggy and Nansi played on the Duppy lightened the mood for him.
One scene in the musical educates Ziggy (and the audience) about Jamaica’s rich and diverse history. I almost forgot that Jamaica’s past is represented by many cultures: Spanish, English, Indian, Chinese and African. It reminded me of Michael Bobbit’s philosophy of producing plays that celebrate culture, not race. Three Little Birds definitely fits the bill. Saying that, I think that Michael produces shows that gives my children to see a little bit of themselves on stage, albeit with slightly darker skin. That’s one of the reasons I love his work.
Have I convinced you to see the show yet? You’ll also see a giant puppet (SPOILER: it’s the Sun you see in the photos above), the best chase scene I’ve seen in a long time, and a gorgeous colorful set that will make you smile. Plus, it’s Jamaica, mon!
Three Little Birds at Adventure Theatre-MTC runs through April 14, 2013. Check their schedule for special spring break weekday performances. Tickets are $19 each and can be purchased online or by calling the box office at 301.634.2270. Adventure Theatre is located at Glen Echo Park so you can pack a picnic and enjoy the park afterwards. It’s supposed to be gorgeous this weekend!
My family was invited to a press performance of Three Little Birds. The kids got to meet Cedella Marley afterwards and got their book signed. All opinions are definitely our own. Link to the book title is an affiliate link.