Arena’s “Akeelah and the Bee” will definitely make your day (Review)
Johannah Easley is towering talent in this staged version of the film about a spelling bee
EXUDING NOTHING BUT GOOD VIBES, humor and charm, Akeelah and the Bee, (
) an urban tale of a little girl who earns her way to the national spelling bee, is a breath of fresh air. Not just for being guilelessly feel-good, but also for its elegant restraint. There may be some familiar characters and home truths here, but they are never preachy or pretentious. It is simply a clever and funny story told with joy, heart, and just the right dose of irreverence for audiences of all ages and outlooks.
Beyond phenomenal is Johannah Easley in the title role. A slip of a girl, Easley is a towering talent, carrying the play with a bright, nuanced performance that stays emblazoned on the mind long past her dancing exit. Complementing her spikey Akeelah with great chemistry is a wonderfully understated James A. Williams as her reluctant tutor. Other joys are the silken-voiced Greta Oglesby as feisty but good neighbor Batty Ruth, and Milton Craig Nealy as a comically pitch-perfect Drunk Willie and a convincing Principal Welch. Aimee K. Bryant does a stellar job as Akeelah’s mother, nicely bringing to live the struggles of this family’s life.
Akeelah and the Bee may not help your spelling, but it will definitely make your day.
Akeelah and the Bee runs to December 27 at Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth Street, SW. Tickets are $55 to $100. Call 202-488-3300 or visit arenastage.org.
Also, check for discount tickets to Akeelah and the Bee.
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