Theatre: Jelly’s Last Jam

Funny, I was recently saying to myself how oversaturated pop culture is with passing and colorism, but here we go again! Jelly’s Last Jam is the imagined experience of famed jazz innovator, Jelly Roll Morton, while in a kind of purgatory he examines his life. The play deals with his Creole family that turned its back on him, his musical success and his own issues with color, class, and insecurity. 

Music, dancing, costuming and styling were amazing. The New Orleans marketplace scene was so magical. Much more entertaining and a better production value than a similar scene I saw earlier this year in the stage revival of The Wiz. I enjoyed how they depicted the JRM's experiences in different cities. The actor’s voices were so good! Left me wanting to learn more about Jell Roll Morton and the history of jazz.

I saw this musical play at the Pasadena Playhouse in the 2023-24 season with the Valley Librarian. My parents told me that they took me to see Jelly's Last Jam at the Mark Taper Forum when I was little. I looked it up and apparently, I saw the premiere run in 1991, before it went to Broadway and won four Tonys! Cool!

TV: Monsieur Spade (2024)

A noir mystery set in a post WWII village in the south of France where a seemingly retired American PI, finds himself caught into a web of mystery as he tries to make good on a deathbed promise.

Intensifying pace • Intricately plotted • Moody storyline • Developed ensemble characters that supports a main character  

I like that Spade isn’t the normal reckless, sad and brooding detective I’m used to (Doctor Blake, Inspector Morse, etc.). And I like Clive Owen playing him even though his west coast American accent is crap.

I streamed this 6-episode limited series from Amazon Prime that offered this show as a sample of AMC+.

TV: P-Valley Season 1 (2020)

What it’s about: How a strip club in a small, impoverished Mississippi town and each of the people who work there find themselves having to overcome hardships both man-made and results of natural disaster. A casino-resort is threatening the club. One dancer is trying to get off the pole, but keeps being pulled back on. Another is dealing with an abusive partner. Another is falling in secret love. And so much more!
Fast-paced • Atmospheric • Bawdy • Emotionally-intense • Strong sense of place

I’m enthralled with this show! The writing is excellent. The characters are full and emotionally complex. The plot is intriguing. Here’s my $30… I’m in, Diamond! Chips left at home!
Favorite Uncle Clifford outfit: Green asymmetrical blouse, pirate-style head scarf and thigh-high red boots.
Truest quote of 2024: “[N-words] don’t vote. [Salty crispy snacks] vote for the wrong [salty crispy snacks].”
Favorite scenes:

• Introducing Uncle Clifford – Chat with the Sheriff
• Mercedes first dance- Dancing on the ceiling
• Mercedes morning jog through the neighborhood
• Lil’ Murda and DJ Neva Scared under the bridge
• Lil’ Murda and Keyshawn performing Fallin'

Dumbest decisions on the show and in real life:

• Unlocking your laptop for a stranger.
• Letting someone “hold” $20,000 of your money. Nope.
• Judging someone for doing the thing you said they should do.

Last time I had a subscription to Starz, I got somewhat obsessed with Outlander. Starz has the draws!  Ha! Get it?!

I streamed P-Valley Season 1 because it was available as a sample on Amazon Prime. Gotta decide if I'm going to subscribe to Starz to watch season 2, or wait for another Prime sample!

Photo by Miguel Mallari from Pexels