In name and beyond, FREESTYLE LOVE SUPREME pays homage to John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme,” with a nod to musical roots in jazz, soul, blues, and hip hop.
Improvisation games are a standard part of theatre and music. Not all theater has improvisation nor do all forms of music but they can be great training tools and occasionally create something that is performance worthy. The key to creating really good improvised performances is a set of rules and a set routine, so in short, lots of rehearsals. I have witnessed many horrible evenings of improv where actors or musicians are enjoying themselves but have little or no regard for the audience. Freestyle Love Supreme is what can happen when you put the time and energy in to creating a really good show for the audience.
Directed by Thomas Kail, Freestyle Love Supreme is a blend of hip-hop, improvisational theater, music, and vocal styling. You can use your phone to send the cast a word before the show that will then be put in a bucket and may be drawn at random during one of the scenes. Throughout the show there is a great deal of interaction with the audience as they try to find the perfect idea to use in the next number. Once an idea is chosen then a cast of five performers and two musicians turn this idea into a performance piece using various music styles and acting techniques. Most of the pieces are meant to be very funny (and usually are) but wisely they also will slow things down occasionally and do something with a bit more weight and feeling.
Freestyle Love Supreme puts a great deal of trust in the audience, at times actually asking audience members to relate a story for the entire theatre to hear; some people are great at this, others are not. In the end, the joy is seeing the actors then perform the story they just heard with their own unique spin. On this particular evening Andrew Bancroft (goes by Jelly Donut) had the task of interacting with the audience to get words, ideas, and stories. His approach was gentle and friendly but also on top of things enough to keep the evening moving. Much to my surprise, the audience kept things rather PG this particular evening, though I would not recommend the show for anyone under the age of 14.
Morgan Reilly (Aka Hummingbird) had the task of taking the lead on some of the longer pieces, giving the other performers their own chances to shine but also showing them the direction the team would be taking with each piece. She was a wonder not only in her subtle but masterful guidance but also in her individual performances carefully balancing humor and message.
Grammy® and Emmy Award® Winner and Tony Award® Nominee Christopher Jackson (aka C-Jack) is guest staring while the show is at the Kennedy Center. He is also one of the founding members of Freestyle Love Supreme though he is best known for playing George Washington in the original Broadway production of Hamilton. Yes, he brings that up a few times during the show, but in fun and appreciative ways.
It is worth noting that the music used in the show is all live and improvised as are most of the lighting cues.
Also in DC are creator Veneziale (aka Two Touch), Richard (Rich Midway) Baskin, Jr., Jay C. (Jellis J) Ellis, Aneesa (Young Nees) Folds, Mark (Mandible) Martin, Kaila (Kaiser Rözé) Mullady, James (Not Draggin) Rushin, Dizzy Senze, and Chris (Shockwave) Sullivan.
Freestyle Love Supreme plays through May 15, 2022 in the Eisenhower Theatre at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC. For tickets call the box office at (202) 467-4600 or purchase them online.
