My soul is still soaring from the gift I received at the Public Theater by experiencing “Goddess.”
This new musical is a gift from the gods that will make your spirit and heart ascend to the heavens, in a matter of speaking. It has an extraordinary, superb book by Saheem Ali, with additional material by James Ijames. Ali also delivers perfect direction to this enticing story. The intoxicating music and lyrics are by Michael Thurber, who also does orchestration. The splendid African-themed choreography is the delightful, electric work of Darrell Grand Moultrie.
The musical, set in Mombasa, Kenya, tells the mythological origin story of Marimba, the goddess of music. The audience learns of her existence and her coming to Earth to share her love of music with humans. The musical shows how music is a deeply rooted part of who we are as people and demonstrates the power and beauty of music, song, and dance in our lives.
Ali is Kenyan-born and has a strong connection to the power of song and dance in the lives of our people. There is a connection that we all share through music, song, and dance that shows we have more in common than we may think. The respect, love, and understanding of the power of music and the human spirit is something stunning to behold. The delectable combination of heart-pounding music, voices that make your spirit shake, and choreography that has you wanting to dance at your seat is more than enough reason to see this superb musical.
The musical takes place in an Afro-Jazz club called Moto Moto, where the people love their music and dance, and come together to let their true selves thrive. The club has a singer, Nadira, who inspires, enchants, and thrills the people. Omari, the governor’s son and a gifted saxophone player and singer, visits the club in secret and finds himself on a journey to self-awareness.
“Goddess” has an engaging storyline involving love, unrequited love, danger, self-denial, and the questioning of family loyalties. Even though a myth, it has a realistic conclusion.
The cast is out-of-this-world talented! Amber Iman as Nadira is sublime. Her voice is truly awe-inspiring, her vocal gifts immeasurable. Austin Scott is charming, conflicted, and gripping as Omari. Arica Jackson as Rashida is a funny, sassy, strong woman. Nick Rashad Burroughs delivers a marvelous, delightful performance as Ahmed. Reggie D. White is enthralling as Balozi. J. Paul Nicholas is mesmerizing as Hassan. Ayana George Jackson delivers a powerful performance as Siti. Destinee Rea is memorable as Cheche. Jason Bowen is tortured and defiant as Madongo. The three women who play the Griotrio — Melessie Clark, Teshomech Olenia, and Awa Sal Secka — are absolutely stunning as they move the musical storyline along.
The vocal talents of the entire cast are astronomical. Members of the Griot Ensemble are fantastic and fabulous in both their singing and, of course, their dance performances. They include Brandon Alvion, Zachary Downer, Quiantae Mapenzi Johnson, Christina Joens, Isio-Maya Nuwere, Jasmin Richardson, Teddy Trice, and Wade Watson. I don’t normally name all the ensemble members, but I had to because every person on that stage is integral in the supreme delivery of this most captivating, inspiring, and amazingly creative musical.
On the technical side, everyone is on the same page to deliver a — dare I say — perfect musical that makes your very soul stir. These talented individuals include set designer Arnulfo Maldonado, costume designer Dede Ayite, lighting designer Bradley King, sound designer Nevin Steinberg, special Tony Award-winning hair and wig designer Nikiya Mathis, and puppet designer Julian Crouch.
Make plans to see this musical ASAP because you will want to go back several times with friends and family before June 15, when, sadly, it will end. Inspiration, spiritual enrichment, and soul-raising performances are waiting for you at the Public. For tickets, visit publictheater.org.