What I liked
The cast, the band, James Byous, Michael Thomas Grant, the music, the lyrics, the songs in general were powerful and funny, as well as poignant and moving.
What I didn't like
I liked the simplicity of the setting, the way the AA meetings were integrated into the setting as it is and the band served to accompany the singers but also became Jimi’s band for his show, we could integrate the “bad guy” or “dark presence” a little more and I loved all of the music but really wanted to love the ballad “Loving Jimi is the Hardest Thing” more than I did. It’s the one song that I think could be investigated for a melody tweak. Not certain how to articulate that.
My overall impression
Jimi Darkness is an unexpected rollercoaster of emotion. It’s a powerful Rock-n-Roll musical that tells the story of one man’s struggle with drugs and alcohol and the demons that haunt him nightly. While the crime fighting superhero in his imagination seemingly serves the community, the reality is a story about a self destructive lost soul searching for significance in his world. The play finds a beautiful balance between entertainment and enlightenment as our anti-hero battles his disease and inner demons. I found the show dynamic and riveting, James Byous gives an outstanding performance as Jimi and Michael Thomas Grant has a moving standout solo about his struggle with sobriety. All in all the show is wildly funny, entertaining and deeply moving, a must see!
