Something New and Hilarious at Pasadena Playhouse

Morgan Reilly, Kaila Mullady, Anthony Veneziale, Jay C. Ellis in Freestyle Love Supreme (Photo – Joan Marcus)

“Freestyle Love Supreme” made its Broadway debut in 2019 and has traveled the country, won a Tony, and, because it includes suggestions from a new audience every time, hasn’t performed the same show twice.

By Carol Edger Germain

“Freestyle Love Supreme” is a hip hop improv comedy experience unlike anything you’ve seen before.

Audience suggestions of words are immediately incorporated into the performance and some audience personal experiences are worked into the show as well.  There is a champion beat boxer (and if you haven’t seen a beat boxer, who uses only their voice to create hip hop percussion sounds, this is the one to see). A full band, vocalists, musicians, and dancers, create new material at every show, with unannounced special guests joining the show.

I had the pleasure of seeing the show with our Editor, Wafic Khalil, and the troupe used two of his suggestions, “impeach” and “Pasadena,” at different points in the show, immediately creating a piece starting with one word. It’s sexy, political, emotional, silly, and overall hilarious, guaranteed non-stop top-notch entertainment created in the moment, suitable for teenagers up to those celebrating their 100th birthday, but note there is some profanity in the show.

I will definitely be seeing it again before it ends on August 7.

Audience members are encouraged to take photos towards the end of the show (Photo – W.K.)

FREESTYLE LOVE SUPREME is produced by Thomas Kail, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jenny and Jon Steingart, and Jill Furman.  It features set design by Beowulf Boritt; costume design by Lisa Zinni; lighting design by Jeff Croiter; and sound design by Nevin Steinberg.

FREESTYLE LOVE SUPREME’s company on tour includes Andrew Bancroft AKA “Jelly Donut,“ Richard Baskin, Jr. AKA “Rich Midway;” Jay C. Ellis AKA “Jellis J;” Aneesa Folds AKA “Young Nees;” Mark Martin AKA “Mandible,” Kaila Mullady AKA “Kaiser Rözé; Morgan Reilly AKA “Hummingbird;” James Rushin AKA “Shifty Hills;” Victoria Theodore AKA “Gigawatts;” and Anthony Veneziale AKA “Two Touch.”
*Tarik Davis (Tardis Hardaway) guest performed on Saturday, July 30.

Pasadena Playhouse
39 S. El Molino Ave.
Pasadena 91101
626-356-7529
Tickets: PasadenaPlayhouse.org