Into the Hoods brings hoodie land to the Novello Theatre
Sunday, 13 Apr 2008 14:14
Sondheim and the hoodie world meet in new musical Into the Hoods
Fascinating and dynamic, Into the Hoods casts new light on the hoodie generation, going past the stereotypes which often associate the hoodie culture with violence and abuse, by depicting the lives of young adults from the Ruff Endz estate in Hackney.
After two successful summers at the Edinburgh Fringe, the ZooNation dance company's hip-hop musical had deserved a West End run. Performances take place at the Novello Theatre in Aldwych until May, 10th.
An outstanding non-stop performance, with a surprising storyline, innovative visuals and touches of comedy, make of this dance musical a vibrant and unexpected show where public participation is constantly called for.
The story begins with two truants who get lost into the "hood" and meet Ruff Endz estate's landlord, a funky man who, to the public's greatest pleasure, takes his laugh from Gorillaz's top song "Feel Good Inc". The landlord offers the two young children accommodation in the estate provided they accept to work for him and steal a few things for his spoilt daughter's birthday.
Then the musical, which intermingles famous children's tales with the urban story, makes us travel to the various floors of the tower block, into Spinderella, Rap-on-Zel, Jaxx, Lil' Red and her Wolf's flats, where we discover the lives and dreams of the residents of the estate. Also present in the plot, let's not omit Spinderella's Ugly Sisters in their short pink drag queen outfits.
Inspired by Stephen Sondheim's musical Into the Woods, Kate Prince's production gives the comedy-drama an urban angle and a rousing musical background with soul, R 'n' B and hip-hop soundtracks from the likes of Gorillaz, Massive Attack, Prince, Basement Jaxx, Stevie Wonder, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Janet Jackson and many others.
When the hoodie culture is on stage, everyone is welcome to take part. Far from being only devoted to R 'n' B fans, the musical is truly accessible to all and will delight children as well as adults from all backgrounds.
On the down side, I would have liked to see more hoodies at the theatre, but it seemed that the very heroes of the musical, all tower block residents, did not have access to the West End that night!
Even if it were just for the street dance performance or the scene at the funky old folk's home, the show is truly worth the trip to London, and according to WhatsOnStage.com, "this modern-day dance extravaganza has sent the critics dancing down the aisles".
Cameron Mackintosh, owner of the Novello Theatre, even said that he thought it was "the most exuberant, imaginative and original dance musical since Cats".
Aurore Jouanin