There is something very special happening at New World Stages that every ardent admirer of great musical legends and theatre enthusiast should see. “Little Girl Blue”, the new Nina Simone musical is a captivating journey into the life of the legendary singer and civil rights activist that weaves some of her well-known songs into the tragic episodes of her life. This is NOT your typical juke box musical where snippets of songs from a repertoire are performed for no apparent reason attempting to connect a flimsy storyline. The concept is somewhat reminiscent of “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” where everything that happens is conveyed in real time during two separate concerts. This allows the magnificent Laiona Michelle to capture the essence of Nina Simone who so wanted to just sing her truth. The audience does not only learn about the important and tragic milestones that shaped her life but also how she felt about the occurrences and the toll it took upon her life and career. All this is reflected in her interpretations of the songs chosen to reveal her inner thoughts and emotions. It is a remarkable production, and the creative team and musicians provide a top rate theater experience.

Devanand Janki takes the helm as director besides providing additional material for the production. Mr. Janki never rushes the heartfelt moments keeping the natural steady pace that contributes to the show’s reality and truthfulness. Lighting design by Dawn Chiang is spot on whether punctuating an important event or articulating an emotional moment. Costumes created by Ari Fulton serve the period and set the tone. Music direction by Mark Fifer on keyboard is joined by Saadi Zain on bass, with Kenneth Salters completing the exceptional three- piece band accompanying Ms. Michelle while also taking on personas of their own to enhance the production. They are a driving force.

There is no doubt from the start of the first musical number “Feeling Good” that Ms. Michelle has the vocal ability that will provide a well needed tribute to the legend. Her voice is pure, bold, and filled with bravura as she navigates the passionate twists and turns of the carefully selected songs from the repertoire. She never imposes on the audience an imitation but embodies the soul of Simone and becomes the legend. You experience her mood changes and her decline due to mental illness, but she never invokes sympathy as a tool to win the audiences approval. Leaping over emotional chasms as she delivers the somber “My Father” to the turbulent “Angry Black Woman” to close the first act. The audience is mesmerized by her rendition of “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” and energized by the closing number “My Way” which brings them to their feet in a standing ovation that continues for quite some time. This is a performance not to be missed by any fan of Ms. Simone. If you are not a fan or are from a generation that might not even know who Nina Simone is, treat yourself to an incredible evening of entertainment and learn something about this incredible civil rights crusader.