Ride or Die: The Hip-Hop Musical

good shows · Ages 13+ · United States of America

world premiere
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Review by MICHAEL GORDON SHAPIRO

June 23, 2019 certified reviewer

What I liked

A smart, streetwise story with lots of humor and a good heart despite the occasionally edgy style. I appreciated that the bookwriter didn’t write simplistic or morally whitewashed parts for any of the performers. The music was performed by a solo beatboxer who produced percussive and tonal effects with virtuosic ease. It was so well executed that I initially thought we were listening to pre-recorded tracks.

What I didn't like

The story occasionally bordered on a little too much humorous vulgarity, at least for my tastes.

My overall impression

It turns out that the secret to writing for neurodiverse performers is the same as for anyone else: give them a smart story with great music and engaging characters. Absolutely worth checking out on its own merits.

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