By Jennifer Mustoe and Craig Mustoe
Because it is Black History Month, and because it was Valentine’s and we wanted something great to see, and because we love Good Company Theatre in Ogden, Utah, we decided to drive from Spanish Fork to see You Bet Your Black Ass, Broadway. Front Row Reviewers doesn’t usually do Broadway revue type productions, but there was something about this one that resonated with us, so up we drove.
I couldn’t be happier that we did. We’d never been to the Good Co’s actual structure, so it was wonderful to see their cozy, bohemian space, with its interesting black-painted post in the middle of the stage. Alicia Washington, one of the co-owners of GCT, (with sister Camille Washington) joked about the post saying, if you see something tall, dark, and handsome onstage, you are welcome to pick it up and take it anytime. Then with an impish look, she touched the post and said, “I meant this, of course.”
And Alicia’s discussion and commentary that is peppered throughout Black Ass, or YBYBAB, is what takes it far beyond your usual Broadway revue. Sisters Washington wanted to bring something different, special, and enlightening to this production. They wanted us to really understand the Black experience in musical theater–the contributions Black artists have made as well as the experience of being Black in the musical theater business, and in the world in general. My husband and I are not Black. We’ve had our own struggles, though, and some of them have been similar in pain and suffering to what Alicia described. As I spoke to Camille after the production, I shared with her about the doors I’ve had closed to me as an actress because of ageism. The smile of recognition and sympathy that crossed Camille’s face was one of a friend of the heart, understanding in all the right ways. However, don’t think YBYBAB is at all a drag or a mope fest. I discussed that aspect of it with Alicia, who wrote the book for this production, and assured her that her information was empowering, honest, a little raw in the best way possible, but filled with hope, strength, vitality, love, passion, and life. It’s all good!
And interspersed, of course, with all this lovely commentary are song after song performed by Black artists in musicals. With selections from The Lion King, Once on This Island, In the Heights (which they produced a few summers ago that was so, so good!), RENT, Porgy and Bess (come to this just to see Mack sing “Summertime”), First Wives Club, Songs for a New World, The Color Purple, Passing Strange, Dreamgirls, Fame, Kinky Boots, Caroline, or Change (a recent GCT sell out production), Big River, and a mashup of “Found” and “Tonight” from Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen. Each song has a grouping of on, some, or all of the players. The singers for these pieces are: Mack, Daisy Allred, Bradley Hatch, Olivia Lusk, Gray McKenzie, and Alicia. A live band accompanies the singers, and it is delightful: Ginger Bess on keys, Spencer Howe on bass, and Christopher Suitt on drums. Lighting Design by William Peterson lends such great atmosphere. Sometimes smoky and muted, sometimes spotlight stark, the lighting for this revue enhances Black Ass perfectly. Each performer wears their own rather fancy, party dress up clothing and each looks amazing.
Black Ass is about an hour and a half, and begins at 8:00 PM, so it’s a nice evening that doesn’t go too late. Each song is marvelous and you will really enjoy this compilation of songs and artists. There are a few pieces from shows I’ve never heard about, and Alicia’s commentary on them makes them relevant and interesting, and the songs are awesome.
I will say, Good Company Theatre is NOT easy to find, so here’s how to get there. Sure, use your GPS, but as you drive on Wall Street, there is no big sign out front on a storefront that says the name of the place, there’s just a sign on the ground right in front of where you turn to get to the parking lot (plenty of parking). But it’s a bunch of dark buildings and the street isn’t well lit. The thing is, the door to GCT is behind the buildings, so you need to drive into the parking lot, then follow the lit up sign that’s by the door. GCT is working to get better signage, but weather has been in the way of this. Also, if you don’t want to drive, Frontrunner station is right across the street! Bad weather issues? Don’t want to drive during rush hour? No problem. Take Frontrunner.
Good Company Theatre’s You Bet Your Black Ass, Broadway plays tonight (Fri), Saturday, and Sunday. Go see it for the music, for the information, for its contribution to Black History Month. You can bet your –boots– you won’t be disappointed.
Good Company Theatre Presents You Bet Your Black Ass, Broadway
The Good Company Theatre, 2404 Wall Ave, Ogden, UT 84401
Tickets: $20
Contact: 801-917-4969
February 14-17, 2019, Fri and Sat 8:00 PM, Matinee Sat and Sun 4:00 PM
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