Reviews & Media
So...this little band of spoken word artists hailing from Leimert Park in Los Angles received mad love in New York City...this is what they said.
by Walter Murphy
Bluesology can be seen as a barometer of progress against forces that seek to remove the benefits of change. Or it can be a night of awesome spoken-word and musical performances. This revolution will definitely not be televised, so you’ll have to go see the show.
by John Pietaro
In time for another generation’s revolutionary voice, the late Gil Scott-Heron (1949-2011) was conjured and fêted at the SoHo Playhouse (Feb. 3) in a multi-disciplinary production, Gil Scott-Heron Bluesology. The cast, largely comprised of the L.A. performers and writers who’d built the show, featured the honoree’s daughter Gia Scott-Heron, also a producer...
One could imagine the strength of this production with a live band, particularly because the vocalists and actors so artfully reimagined the works. To that end, especially memorable were Gia Scott-Heron’s “Home Is Where the Hatred Is” and “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised”, an enlivened “Whitey on the Moon” by the Oracle (aka Denise Lyles-Cook), the deeply moving “Your Daddy Loves You” by Lorenzo Frank and Conney Williams’ stirring “Winter in America”. Unmistakably, the people’s theatre is alive and well and living in Bluesology. Catch it before it can be silenced by today’s Big Brother.
The past and the present exist simultaneously at The Soho Playhouse’ presentation of Gil Scott-Heron’s Bluesology, a tribute to Gil Scott-Heron‘s work (who you may know from his iconic The Revolution Will Not Be Televised).
The performance brings his wit, wisdom, power, and grit forward to today at a time when his words ring out as timeless. Where the struggles he talks and sings about haven’t dissipated, haven’t left us. Listening to his words and music that speak of the inequalities and difficulties of living, time seems to have become frozen and not moved at all.
Gil Scott-Heron's Bluesology was a loving tribute to the late American jazz poet, singer, and musician by his daughter, Gia who was joined by spoken word artists, Poets Jazz House. Although some biographical details were shared, the show mostly emphasized Scott-Heron's own poems and songs which even today are so incredibly timely that only a word or two here or there had to be tweaked to make them completely relevant to today's world.
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​The audience was given shakers as they entered the theater and told to use them instead of clapping. This really strengthened the connection between the performers and the audience. Thus, the event quickly evolved into a lovefest between the two groups joyously celebrating the late entertainer and activist.
The legacy of Gil Scott-Heron lives on in this live performance tribute during SoHo Playhouse’s 2025 International Fringe Encore Theater Series.
by Roland E. Scott
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His classic works reflect the Here and Now, his words resonate with the struggles of Yesternow, the revolutionary days of Black Power and the Black Arts Movement.
Bluesology --the legacy of this legendary artist with a personal touch to this tribute, his daughter Gia Scott-Heron shares stories and memories. Some audience members knew much of his work and murmured the lyrics as the poets interpreted them from the stage. Energy in the audience was something akin to a revival meeting!
The New York premiere of Gil Scott-Heron's Bluesology opens February 3rd, 2025 running Off-Broadway through February 23 as part of SoHo Playhouse's 2025 International Fringe Encore Theater Series.
by Roland E. Scott
During these dubious times, the words and music of Gil Scott-Heron are needed as America moves forward in the midst of this ongoing battle. His sharp truth will consume the SoHo Playhouse stage (15 Vandam Street) during the New York Off-Broadway premiere of Gil Scott-Heron Bluesology from February 3–23.
Pure Essense Television Network - Sherard sits down with the cast of the Gil Scott Heron Cast to honor the legacy of the late great Gil Scott Heron. Hear what drives his daughter Gia to continue to make her Father's voice heard through her productions.
For the latest Whisper in the Wings from Stage Whisper, we continue our coverage of the amazing festivals kicking off 2025, as well as continue our coverage of the 2025 International Fringe Encore Theater Series being presented by SoHo Playhouse. We were thrilled to chat with three more shows and the artists behind them, and get to learn all about these important and diverse works playing in downtown New York. So be sure you hit play and get your tickets right away!