Amsterdam News
MONK IS SUPERB
- By Ron Scott
Getting a production on any New York City stage is no easy task and vying for a spot on Off Broadway is even more difficult. However, when you have a great production like Monk, the perseverance and talent of its playwright Laurence Holder paired with Rome Neal (Monk), anything is possible. After five years of searching for financial angels while receiving rave reviews, the two partners have found an Off Broadway stage for their production of Monk at the Abingdon Theatre Arts Complex (312 West 36th Street) now through May 8.
Noted actor/director Rome Neal plays the legendary pianist/composer Thelonious Monk, one of the most prolific musicians in jazz history. In this one-man show, Neal delivers a riveting emotional portrayal of Monk, 90 pulsating minutes of sheer brilliance. Monk’s music made a prolific statement he was an innovator whose rhythmic sound was ahead of its time. He was called eccentric but actually he was a misunderstood musical genius. Neal’s dynamic monologue introduces the musician’s sensitivity he is Monk, reflecting the pain of living as a musician, rendering insightful tidbits and heartfelt memories. Neal encompasses his characters’ mannerisms, his dancing, and a hip monotone voice swinging with words ricocheting in Monk’s mind of deep thoughts. Laurence Holder has written an incredible play that fits Neal better than an Armani suit. Neal brings the same creative intensity to Monk, as Jamie Foxx brought to his Oscar winning portrayal of Ray Charles.
Neal has already received an AUDELCO Award for Monk, for Best Solo Performance. Both Neal and Holder are the producers and co-directors. Their collaboration of Monk is a magical experience and its next stop should be Broadway. Such a big move would hopefully give Neal a rest from wearing so many hats as the light, set and costume designer, as well as choreographer, and publicist. Holder is an American Playwright, poet and director. He was awarded an AUDELCO Award “Best Writer” for his play “The Mandela Saga,” and his plays Zora Neale Hurston,” “MONKnBUD,” a three-character study of the relationship between Thelonious Monk and Bud Powell were welcomed with critical acclaim.
Bill Lee (Spike’s father) a talented bassist, who has appeared with Billie Holiday, Dizzy Gillespie, Sarah Vaughn, and Art Blakey, and scored the films “Do The Right Thing,” “Mo’ Better Blues” and “School Daze” composed the music for Monk. ‘I had to rush because Rome was pressed for time but luckily I found some music that would fit what the script called for,” says Lee. The soundtrack, which is out on CD, is the perfect backdrop for this dazzling drama. For ticket information call 718-288-8048 or visit website monktheplay.com.
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