Singing their hearts out

Further Mo’
Phoenix Theatre
Directed by Bryan D. Fonseca
Through July 17

The Phoenix Theatre bridges the past and the future with their inaugural production in the Frank and Katrina Basile Theatre, Further Mo’, the sequel to One Mo’ Time, which the Phoenix produced in 1991.

'Further Mo'' at the Phoenix

The former Underground underwent renovations to upgrade the space. Audience amenities include new seating (cabaret-style, but the chairs are much more comfortable, and they bounce-rock), artwork (for sale) on the walls and a bar that serves beer and wine (as well as the obligatory sandwich and soup, etc.).

Further Mo’ picks up a year after One Mo’ Time, 1927. If you didn’t see One Mo’ Time, no worries. Though based on the same characters, this musical stands on its own.

The Lyric Theatre in New Orleans, a vaudeville-esque theater, is like home to its cast of performers. But hard times have made the powers-that-be decide to burn it down for the insurance money. This plot plays out as a secondary element to the song and dance numbers, which the show is chock full of. The cast sings their hearts out in such bawdy bits as “Had to Give Up Gym” and “Hot Tamale Man.” Joi C. Ball wrings the blues out of “My Man” and Langstan Smith oozes smooth moves in “Boot It Boy.” Kai Mwaafrika has several soulful and hot numbers, such as “Trouble in Mind” and “One Hour Woman.” But it is Mari Stratton who chews scenery as Mexican Ma Reed in “Salty Dog,” “Wild Women” and in her outrageous number with Ricardo Melendez, “A Media Luz.”

When the Lyric’s cast is backstage (and sometimes when on stage), the one-liners fly. Singing or zinging, the show is good fun.

Further Mo’ continues through July 17. Ages under 21 can only visit the Basile Theatre on Sundays, when there are no alcohol sales. For reservations, call the Phoenix, 749 N. Park Ave., at 635-PLAY.