Kwame Kwei-Armah's TLC Musical 'CrazySexyCool' Premieres in DC

Kwame Kwei-Armah's ambitious new musical, "CrazySexyCool," premiered at Arena Stage in Washington D.C. this week, offering a vibrant tribute to the influential 90s R&B trio TLC. The show chronicles over a decade of the group's success and struggles, incorporating their platinum-selling hits and significant life events.

The production features Holli’ Gabrielle Conway as T-Boz, Jade Milan as Left Eye, and Stoney B Woods as Chilli, who embody the poise and charisma of the original members. The musical is rich with details, including era-defining R&B music, vintage Cross Colours T-shirts, and symbolic set pieces like a bathtub filled with Nikes. Audience members at a recent performance reacted enthusiastically, singing along, laughing, and dancing in their seats, indicating a strong connection to the music and the story.

Playwright Kwame Kwei-Armah expressed a desire to create more stories by Black creatives for the theater, highlighting the significance of "CrazySexyCool" in this context. The musical aims to capture the "outrageous" truth of TLC's journey, testing the boundaries of the jukebox musical format while remaining faithful to the group's legacy. The show's detailed approach and the leads' performances contribute to a dynamic and engaging theatrical experience that resonates with fans.