Review of ‘The Brown Suite’: “Colourful dance montage is still a little green”

It follows the right path; it just doesn’t take all the right steps. It’s hard not to see all the possibilities dancing around this high-octane montage, set to some of the greatest R&B classics of the 20th century. It does exploit its potential at times. So much so that it’d be fair to call it a quality show despite its noticeable flaws. Yet, none of these ups is enough to make the whole thing take off.

Choreographers and storytellers Nahum McLean and Darius Drooh have created something conceptually powerful. It’s not brilliantly original, but it still has some sparkle. As such, the plot revolves around a group of friends getting ready for a big night out in buzzing New York City, only for things to take an unexpected (and undesired) turn.

The narrative is strong enough to hold the piece together. Infuse it with expressive movements, and the result can only be electrifying. This version isn’t, however. From its hasty wrap-up to the general lack of pizzazz in its numbers, the production is a perfect example of a show that had it all in it to be something else — but never is.

It’s too safe. And occasionally, even too simplistic. Most of the cast is competent (as long as we aren’t too strict about precision and coordination), but their talent is somewhat wasted. Although some short segments are fairly remarkable, no rendition shines entirely. There’s not enough spectacularity. And above all, there’s not enough fervour. Some company members still manage to boost the energy within their capabilities, but eventually, a sense of listlessness lingers; it doesn’t take over, but it pervades the performance for the most part. And inevitably, it compromises our final impression.

The staging is arguably the production’s strongest element. A black box comprises a glossy deck, a DJ table prop, gauze, and fluorescent tubes affixed to the back wall to recreate the characters’ journey. Intricate, deeply evocative lighting provides the rest. The result is an uncomplicated, transporting, and widely compelling design that brims with resourcefulness and theatricality — with no tweaks or further additions needed.

You would think a dance show underscored by James Brown, Sam Cooke, and Etta James’s greatest hits would be as spellbinding as the music it honours. The seed for that is there, though. Yet, The Brown Suite operates in a grey area: it has all the ingredients for a zesty extravaganza, but in the end, most of them are undercooked. It feels nice, but it doesn’t have enough sugar or spice.

The Brown Suite is currently on tour across the UK. Tickets, venues, and dates are available on the following link.

By Guillermo Nazara