![[RECAP] The Movie ‘Love Jones’ Regenerated In Musical, Stars Chrisette Michele, Musiq Soulchild, Dave Hollister, and More](https://singersroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Love-Jones-the-musical-recap.jpg)
Brooklyn natives were excited to see the “Love Jones: The Musical” on October 22nd and October 23rd at the Kings Theatre. It was one of the most anticipated theatrical debuts on radio, television, and social media! The musical starred some heavy hitters, including Chrisette Michele, Musiq Soulchild, Dave Hollister, Raheem Devaughn, MC Lyte, and Marsha Ambrosius as the leading cast members. The musical is based on the classic 1997 film “Love Jones,” starring Nia Long and Larenz Tate. Fans had an opportunity to relive the iconic love story of Nia Mosley and Darius Lovehall.
Viewers were eager to see how the movie’s plot was reincarnated on stage. Before the musical began, rap veteran MC Lyte made her grand entrance and informed the audience that “There will be no music, dialogue, or poetry from the film ‘Loves Jones’ in this production. Now, please turn off your cell phones and enjoy Love Jones The Musical.” It was quite bemusing for Love Jones fans, who started questioning whether if this was even worth seeing!
However, once the curtains opened, the audience was truly in for a surprise. The production team and writers added an urban twist to the musical by incorporating reality television, live singing, and special appearances by R&B group Silk’s leading man Gary “Lil G” Jenkins and R&B songstress Michel’le. The musical’s content was still similar to the film as a way to pay homage to the storyline.
R&B diva Chrisette Michele played Nina; Tony Grant played Darius Lovehall; Musiq Soulchild was Darius’ best friend Savion; Chad Lamar Shepard played Nina’s ex-finace Marvin, and Raheem Devaughn was the musical antagonist, Wood. There were also up-and-coming actors, who also delivered a comical-yet-compelling performance on stage.
The musical segment began with Michele’s character moving to Chicago to have a career in entertainment and also find love at the same time. Nina’s best friend/sidekick Jessie ultimately protected her while still analyzing her life’s closed doors.
Meanwhile, Darius meets Nina as the nightclub Sanctuary and the mutual attraction sparked between them. He was quite a charmer, but apprehensive about moving forward with Nina due to her emotional baggage and unfinished business with a former lover.
The team even added an intimate moment when Nina was asking God for counsel when she was singing Yolanda Adams’ song “Open My Heart.” That scene took place after Nina had an enchanted lovemaking experience with Darius. She needed final confirmation from the Most High about staying in a relationship for security or taking a chance on love again with someone new. Most viewers can relate to the scene because you can be tormented about moving forward in a relationship. Men and women will feel torn after investing time and years with your significant other.
In the end, Nina gives Darius a chance to love her unconditionally and press forward in her new relationship. He put his pride aside, admitted to Nina how much he loved and cared for her, and Nina stubbornly accepted his plea.
Overall, the musical added the right cast members to play the characters who were originally featured in the film. It was quite a theatrical spin, but it still shows the ins and outs of love in a relationship. When you say, “I have a jones in my bones for you, baby,” make sure you can push through the hard times with your significant other.
If you missed the musical at the Kings Theatre, you can purchase tickets until December 10th. The last show takes place in Rochester, New York. For more information, log on to LoveJonesTheMusical.com.
