“After Midnight” – Cool, Hot Revue at the 5th

 

Cast of After Midnight (Michael B. Maine)

After Midnight
5^th Avenue Theatre
Through August 24, 2025
 
It don’t mean a thing if you don’t get yourself to this show…
 
After Midnight at the 5^th is everything you want in a revue of jazz standards of the Harlem Renaissance. The entire construction of the production is flawless – from the ten onstage members of the swinging band (Conductor William Knowles, Rebecca Smith, Chris Patin, Lamar Lofton, Brian Burmudez, Jovon Miller, Alex Dugdale, Owour Arunga, Nathan Breedlove, Reserat Tafesse) to the ten swinger/dancers (Iris Beaumier, Nicholas Japaul, Bernard, Brian Davis, Nalica Hennings, Jason Holley, Nehemiah Hooks, Trina Mills, Yuseg Seevers, Porscha Shaw, Madison Willis) to the gorgeous set (Carey Wong), costumes (Ricky German) and lighting (Xavier Pierce), it’s all beautifully pulled together by director Jay Santos.
 
This 85 minute romp through some of the biggest hits of the 1920s and ‘30s gets the joint jumpin’. There are several solos and combinations for band members, showing off their great technical skills for this music.
 
Choreographer Pamela Yasutake fills the stage with both grace and funk, amusing us with historic dance moves. Several of the performers also have tap spotlights, giving them even more attention to their versatility.
 
If you’re wondering if this show would interest your teens and tweens, be not afraid. They can’t help but fall under the spell of the evening. It’s fast, it’s fun, and aside from a couple of torch songs – Shaw brings all her allure to Stormy Weather – it’s all upbeat rhythm. You might find out how to sit at the tables at the very front, too!
 
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