REVIEW: Low Down Dirty Blues

I can’t tell you the last time I had this much fun.  LOW DOWN DIRTY BLUES is low down, its dirty (but not blue), and there are some amazing blues tunes performed.  But there is so much laughter, so much passion, and so much fun on stage – and out in the audience – that I suggest you stop reading this review right now, call the Box Office, and get your tickets.  I’ll wait.

As the show opens, we’re transported to a blues club in Chicago where we meet Big Mama and two other featured blues artists.  They share a few stories from music history and tell stories about their character’s pasts but this isn’t a plot-driven production.  No, sir, this show is all about the music.

And the music is superb.

Local pianist Steve Schmidt is on piano.  On bass is another local, Joel Greenberg.  Chic Street Man, is on guitar and vocals, and he’s very good.  My favorites, though, are the larger-than-life Grammy-nominated Caron “Sugaray” Rayford and the Tony-nominated Felicia P. Fields who blow the roof off of the Thompson Shelterhouse theatre with their zest, power, and charisma.

The first act is upbeat, with a lot of hilarious innuendo and bawdy humor.  Act Two features more soulful blues, the kind that will bring a tear to your eye.  The entire show, though, kept the audiences rapt attention.  I’m not sure I’ve seen a more engaged crowd.

If I haven’t been clear – I loved, loved, loved this show.  It’s likely going to be the hottest ticket in town once word gets out (it may already be).  DO NOT MISS IT.

LOW DOWN DIRTY BLUES runs through December 20th at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park.  Click here for more information.