What: Queens Girl in the World
Where: Theater Row
410 W. 42nd St.
New York, NY
Who: 12 and Up (Due to Some Subject Matter)
When: Through May 8, 2022
Queens Girl in the World is the story of Jacqueline Marie Butler, a young Black growing up in Queens in the 1950s and 60s. While other characters appear in the play, they are all played by the talented Felicia Curry who effortlessly flits back and forth from one character to another by changing her voice and her bearing. This also keeps the show interesting and keeps it from dragging as some one-person shows tend to do. Brief interludes of popular Motown music also help keep the show moving along.
The show is great for children in that it covers a lot of history in an interesting way as well as covering the life of this one girl. Indeed, Jacqueline's life which includes being sent to a predominantly white and Jewish school in another town and having to try to fit in in two different places is compelling enough on its own even without all the historical references.
The show is definitely not suitable for very young children due to the subject matter covered. The 1963 Alabama Church Bombing in which 4 young girls were killed, the death of President Kennedy, and more are all mentioned in the show. There is also implied sexual abuse although this subject is not delved into very deeply.
This is not to say that the entire show is heavy-handed. Jacqueline Marie is generally a happy normal girl just trying to find her place in the world. She is a charmingly engaging character to spend an hour or two with.
And that's our view. For more about Queens Girl in the World or to purchase tickets, visit www.abingdontheatre.org/on-stage.
Tune in tomorrow for this week's Sunday Scoop.
Photo credits: Queens Girl in the World production photos by Julieta Cervantes
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