Express & Star

Review - Some Like It Hop Hop, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Youngsters from all over the Wolverhampton area wowed the crowd at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre last night, as they performed a curtain raiser as part of the Schools Dance Project, at Zoonation's electrifying production of Some Like it Hip Hop.

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They certainly had the Moves Like Jagger, whipping the already excited crowd into a frenzy before the main show had even begun and from then on it was non-stop, with 2.5 hours of super slick choreography, fast and furious dance steps and original songs belted out by two of the best soul divas you could wish for.

It's a simple but emotional story told by a cast with talent that knows no bounds. While you might be able to imagine the mechanics of dance moves at this standard, very few can actually execute them. It's best left to the experts.

Don't be fooled into thinking that this is simply a showcase of hip hop though. It's much more than that. It's a "hiphopsical," a proper family musical in its own right; it's just that the whole piece is played out in dance.

With influences from Twelfth Night and the Billy Wilder classic comedy Some Like it Hot, Some Like it Hip Hop is a tale of love, mistaken identity and revolution, by two girls trying to make it in a man's world.

It's almost unfair to single out any one performance, as the 22 strong cast are so amazingly talented and the characterisation of each and every role is exceptional. That said, Denny Haywood shines bright as Simeon Sun, whilst Duwane Taylor gives a powerful performance as Governor Okeke.

Letitia Simpson and Minica Beason shared the role of Kerri, both giving it their all and creating a seamless transition from one performer to another. Sarah Richards as Jo-Jo completely owned the stage. Who says white girls can't dance! And Shaun Smith as Sudsy Partridge is the perfect cute clown, bringing the "Ahhhh factor" to the piece.

Some Like it Hip Hop is an outstanding evening's entertainment in a rarely seen format. All in a Geek Chic Treat, so cool and trendy in fact, if you looked carefully you might have spotted a certain pop star dancing along in the crowd!

By Alison Norton

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