By Matthew Wexler
It should come as no surprise that Western culture’s education system has firmly planted its marbled feet in the storied tales of Greek and Roman gods. And how many woeful lyrics have referenced Icarus flying too close to the sun? But there’s a new Goddess in town, and she can riff with the best of them.
The new musical Goddess makes its New York City premiere at the Public Theater, drawing inspiration from the African deity Marimba. Michael Thurber (music and lyrics), Saheem Ali (book), and James Ijames (additional book material) transport the music-obsessed higher power to a beachside club (or is it a cave? I’ll get to that) in Mombasa, Kenya. Now in the mortal body of Nadira, music becomes a spark to resolve generational differences between Omari (Austin Scott) and his conservative father, Hassan (J Paul Nicholas).
If your suspension of disbelief is well-honed, Goddess is captivating. This is thanks mainly to Amber Iman’s performance in the title role of Nadira, which frankly seems like type-casting; she’s that mesmerizing. Gifted with a score pulsating with Afro-Jazz beats, Iman is both otherworldly and tragically human. Does it matter that her character falls in love with Omari after two conversations? It worked for West Side Story’s Tony and Maria, so who are we to judge?
Design-wise, the production is still finding its footing. Julian Crouch’s puppetry elements bring Nadira’s origin to life, but the convention dissipates as the story unfolds. Arnulfo Maldonado’s scenic design also feels a bit lost. Are we at the beach? In a cave? With a tree growing in the middle of it? The multi-level playing area makes for fussy scene changes, despite a well-choreographed ensemble that otherwise shines in Darrell Grand Moultrie’s polyrhythmic choreography.
A fantastic supporting cast only makes Iman shine brighter. Maybe bright enough for Broadway later this season?
Goddess plays at the Public Theater through June 8.
‘Goddess’ Takeaway
I saw Amber Iman‘s Tony-nominated performance in the short-lived Lempicka, which also showcased her talents despite itself.
Her appearance at the Public is a roundabout homecoming for the multifaceted performer. She appeared in the national tour of Hamilton, which originated in the same theatre where she’s now showcasing her beyond-mortal talents.
