For The Last Time: A New Jazz Musical

I am über late with this review.
For the last time is a jazz musical and an off Broadway play, set in the 1950’s in New Orleans. There are four main actors/​actresses whose lives we follow throughout the play. We see their friendships grow and develop, as they go through some very interesting life situations. From these situations we see very real emotion, great acting, and fantastic jazz. I won’t go into much more detail, because there are some surprises along the way.
The music sounded great and the theater size was very intimate.
I saw this play in the Clurman Theater on Theater Row. Its a relatively small size theater, with what looks like about 10 or so rows. The theater is small enough that every seat in the house is good.
This play was in limited engagement for about a month, until the end of June.
Thanks Ruggy and Unilocal for the tickets, the play was very good one to watch.

I enjoyed the singing and dancing at this musical. The Jazz music was fantastic. However, I have to say that I, along with everyone who joined me, left confused. We never know who the narrator really is, is he one of the characters’ father? Is he God or Satan? There were too many hints that somewhat contradicted each other.
The storyline was very direct; the audience knew exactly what each character was going through. However, it was pretty difficult to try to decipher the main character’s past. If we would have been provided a bit more detail on the events that occurred that led up to the opening scene, then we would have been more satisfied.

I was mesmerized! I had no expectations whatsoever… I just wanted enjoy great talent, great music and my friend Nneka on her birthday. WOW!!! This was spectacular! Live musicians on stage! Incredibly talented relatively all new talent! It’s based in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s «The Marble Faun» worth every penny spent in this surprisingly vibrant and lush production… Kudos to the players…

For the most part, I was entertained throughout the show. I was torn between 3 or 4 stars. I was not familiar with the storyline prior to coming, except it was about 4 young people in New Orleans during the 1950s.
The whole time I kept waiting to feel some kind of suspense or excitement, instead I was left feeling empty. It was cliché, safe and lackluster. I still believe in my heart this play has potential if they take more risk.
My favorite character was Hilda. Her meltdown at the church was the only scene to evoke some emotion for me. Perhaps more scenes like this and this play could be a hit. The audience wants more drama and stronger vocal performances.
I congratulate the cast for their hard work! Also, the band was absolutely impeccable! With a few changes I’m confident this play will gain popularity. Let’s give people something to talk about though! Maybe I’ll even give it a second chance…
Thank you Unilocal for the tickets and the opportunity to check this out with fellow Unilocalers!

Going into this musical I had no idea what this stage performance was about.
All I know was there will be some romance and some Jazz music which was all I needed to know.
The mystery element of not know is both exciting, simulating and challenging to me.
The story line at first does not seem to connect much to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel The Marble Faun but as the musical progressed I can see how the playwright weave the elements from the 1860 novel into the scenes of New Orleans in the 1950’s.
The beginning seen slow but it had a purpose and the mystery and suspense slow builds up.
The Clurman theatre is small but comfortable and every seat had a great view of the performers.
Their use of the small stage was well thought out to take advantage of the two spiral stairs and catwalk.
The acting is great and the singing is fantastic. The storyline created a lot great discussion on the actor’s role portrayal and the story; especially the dark mystery guy.

Some of my friends did not like the ending because there were not closer to parts of the play but it followed the original story of The Marble Faun where the ending was left unanswered. Back in 1860, Hawthorne was also criticized by not ending the novel with all the loose ends tied up.
Actor/​Actress– ⁵⁄₅
Music– ⁵⁄₅
Stage elements– ⁵⁄₅
Story– ⁴⁄₅
Only limited engagement until June 20!

With a big large Unilocal crew that arrived into the Clurman Theatre, we and my friends came to see this show.
I don’t want to be a spoiler alerts like in my other review of Broadway, but doing a quick summary One last time it’s about 2 men and 2 ladies in New Orleans in the 1950’s.
How they all become friends and some fell on love. The play focuses also on how the past always works its way back into people’s lives (Karma). Your past follows you everywhere you go. You can try but you can’t run away from your past.
Although the ending was a bit disappointed, I think the actors did a tremendous job in trying to spice up their characters and the band also did a great job.
The cast Brittany Campbell, Carl Clemons-​Hopkins, Kim Exum, Britton Smith, Anita Welch, Reggie D. White and Jason Veasey deserves a standing ovation.
Thanks Ruggy, and Clurman Theatre for «A Unilocal Night on Broadway»

I got to see this musical through Unilocal on Broadway. The theatre is small but intimate and I loved that the Jazz band was right on stage. The band was terrific, and I enjoyed the music and songs overall. The story could sometimes be slightly unclear at times and the ending can be seen as somewhat unsatisfying, but I found the storyline to be thoughtful and engaging. I enjoyed the show. Thanks, Unilocal

I attended the ⁵⁄₂₆ (preview?). I’d give it 4.5 stars.
I have high hopes for this show. For an off-​Broadway production, everything was first-​rate. The show features a relatively small cast of 4 main characters and 3 supporting cast members and everyone was excellent, but I’d like to single out Brittany Campbell as Miriam and Britton Smith as Donatello for being particularly excellent in their roles. Both of these actors could sing the phone book and I’d listen intently.
The music was lovely, suitable, and catchy. I hope this show gets an album, because I’d like to listen to the songs again. Having the band on stage worked well for this production and the band was top-​notch. I’d pay a ticket just to hear the jazz. (Side note: The trombonist is super cute.)
There are just a few ‘pointers’ that would improve the show, in my humble opinion:
1) I’d like a bit more of a reason to love the characters, or be attached to them. It seems like we’re just introduced to them, and then they’re all in love, and we’re supposed to care. Thankfully the acting really makes up for this shortcoming.
2) I think there are too many songs as things stand right now. The thing is: The songs are all quite good. The unfortunate thing is that, since there are so many tunes, the good songs are short and don’t have time to build up. There are some quality Broadway-​caliber songs here, though.
3) The build up with the ‘bad guy’ could have began earlier. His role is short and could be used to add more tension to the plot. (Spoiler alert: I wouldn’t have killed him off so early either.)
4) Sometimes this show reminds us over and over where it’s set: It’s Mardi Gras! (check) Let’s go see the Voodoo Queen’s grave! (check) Jazz! (check) Reference to streetcars! (check) Judgy Baptists on the streets! (Check) Copious boozing (Check). I was almost expecting them to go see Anne Rice’s house and see a Saints game at the Superdome.
With that being said: I think it would be perfect for a small Broadway theater. Let’s close that «The Visit» vanity project and get this to replace it.

If I could I would give this play 3.5 stars but just because for me I thought it was a slow start and I was kind of confused at the end. I thought the music was good and all the actors did a great job. Once it picked up I enjoyed the story but I felt it kind of dragged in the beginning.

Thanks Unilocal on Broadway and cool Unilocal cats Sally W. and Nga C. for letting me in on this awesome musical experience.
I’ve seen many musicals through the years and well lately I am not sure if I had grown out of them or if the ADD was starting to interrupt with my social life. I was starting to wonder if I actually still enjoyed musical…
I am glad I got to see For The Last Time, because it has dissolved all myself doubt around musicals. I was not sure what to expect and had no idea what the musical was about, but sometimes ignorance is bliss.
The musical is set in New Orleans probably around the 1950s and is based off the romance novel The Marble Faun by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Main characters include Miriam, Hilda, Kenyon and Donatello. Miriam is haunted by her past and present. A mysterious man follows her from Chicago and well… if you want to know the rest, I highly recommend seeing this musical.
Jazz music usually never disappoints and each song performed by the main actors were of high quality. Just think it’s almost like being in a jazz club, but with a story line…
Some of the characters have a bit of a twisted fate which makes the plot interesting.
This is probably one of the better musicals i have enjoyed the last 5 years, definitely check it out!

Was here for a Unilocal Night on Broadway to see For the Last Time.
This production is running for a limited engagement from May 19 through June 20 at the intimate Clurman Theater. It’s billed as a jazz musical with an eight piece band right on the stage.
I’m going to be honest here and review it based on my opinion. I was impressed by the actors, and the talented jazz ensemble. I felt some of the cast were better than others and really offered a stage presence, while a few were standard second tier character fillers. The musical itself is set in 1950’s New Orleans and tackles kind of a dark subject matter. I felt the writing and flow of the musical was a bit awkward and clunky, especially the opening scenes and at certain moments throughout. Even some of the songs felt this way, where there were a few that were standouts I’ll admit.
Put it this way, if you want to see a musical with a downer of an ending and feel a bit depressed as you leave this is right up your alley. Not really a happy ending here, but as with life, not everything ends up happy. Guess it reflects what true life and situations really are for some folks. Even though friendship and love is involved sometimes it doesn’t end up right.
Would I recommend it? Maybe, if I knew those I was telling it about enjoy this sort of premise. As for me, I enjoy musicals that are more fun and uplifting. Seen many like that so checking out something different than the norm was a good experience. Real people, real reviews, right?
Once again, thanks to CM Ruggy and Unilocal for the chance to see this, as a night out on Broadway is always enjoyable.

Thank you Ruggy and Unilocal for tickets to «A Unilocal Night on Broadway» to see this brand new musical.
For whatever else may be written, this was not a memorable experience. Although the players tried their best, my feelings at the end of the performance could best be categorized as tepid. I was not absorbed by the plot or the Jazz-​inspired musical numbers. The story itself was also not particularly challenging, since the overarching themes were archetypical in nature and thus easily relatable — love, friendship, intrigue, murder, guilt and loyalty.
The musical centers around a young, troubled, female African-​American painter (Miriam) with a questionable past who fled to New Orleans in the 1950s. A hometown friend (Hilda) visits Miriam during Mardi Gras as she wishes to make her way in New Orleans as a writer. Miriam introduces Hilda to Kenyon, a smooth-​talking ambitious entrepreneur on the cusp of opening his own jazz club, and Donatello, a sweet, if simple-​minded trumpet player helping Kenyon fulfill his dreams.
Beware, what I type next are plot spoilers. The reality is that the entire musical takes place over the course of a few days and in addition to it not being realistic that Donatello would both fall in love and kill for Miriam a day after meeting her, it was also unrealistic that Kenyon would summarily abandon his life’s dream (his club) for the love of Hilda, as she wished to leave New Orleans after said murder occurred.
Should there have been such an award, the actor playing Kenyon would have won the play MVP as his performance was the most believable of the four leads, since in addition to playing an ambitious hustler well, I also believed that he immediately fell for Hilda. Importantly, his singing voice was easily the best of the four main characters.
The story was not as gripping as was expected, considering that the show was based on a famous novel. That being said, the novel was written by a British author in the 1850s and from what I can glean online the novel had a resolved dénouement, whereas the conclusion of this play left too many questions unanswered. At the end, I had no idea what happened to the characters and since I only really cared about Kenyon, the doubtful futures of the other characters did not move me one way or another.

I thoroughly enjoyed the new jazz musical, For the Last Time. The production is set for a limited engagement from May 19 through June 20 at the Clurman Theatre. I was really impressed by the actors, their singing voices and the jazz ensemble. I would highly recommend this Off-​Broadway show to anyone who is looking to see an enjoyable show.
I definitely don’t want to give away too much about the story because it is revealed as the play goes along but in general it’s about 4 young people in New Orleans in the 1950’s. How they all become friends and some of them became lovers. The play focuses also on how the past always works its way back into people’s lives. Your past follows you everywhere you go. You can try but you can’t run away from your past.
I would have never knew about this play if not for Unilocal and Ruggy, so thanks for that.
What is so interesting is the next day several of us are still discussing the play and our interpretations of what is happening in the play. This play is for the mind. I do not think it is depressing at all. Granted the play does not end in a neatly wrapped package with a nice bow like Disney shows (gag). This play is for people who want their mind to be challenged a little. It is based on a book, Marble Faun written by Nathaniel Hawthorne… which also doesn’t end with a neatly wrapped package with a nice bow. I think the ending is supposed to leave us thinking.
Out of all the plays we’ve seen, this play sparked the most conversation and debate which is pretty amazing. We’ve been trying to interpret this play amongst several of us trying to pry at the secrets. This play is very polarizing. That is what I call a good play.