THE HANGOVER REPORT – NSangou Njikam’s new hip-hop musical SYNCING INK at the Flea is exuberant and joyously-performed

The company of NSangou Njikam's "Syncing Ink" at the Flea Theater.

The company of NSangou Njikam’s “Syncing Ink” at the Flea Theater.

Last night at the (new) Flea, I caught the exuberant and joyously-performed New York premiere of the rap/hip-hop musical Syncing Ink. The show, written by the talented NSangou Njikam (who also stars in it), tells the coming-of-age story of a young African American man as he quests to master the art of freestyling. I had such a good time at the show that it’s hard for me to point out the musical’s shortcomings.

But let’s start with the good, since there’s a lot of it. Mr. Njikam has written an upbeat work that’s overflowing with enthusiasm and creativity; it’s all generally wholesome, good-natured fun, despite the frequent expletive droppings and sexual innuendos. For a new work, the writing is refreshingly on a consistently high level, which the show’s extraordinary company of seven – McKenzie Frye, Nuri Huzzard, Elisha Lawson, Mr. Njikam, Adesola A. Osakalumi, DJ Rebirn, and Kara Young – perform with boundless energy, lifting the piece to an even higher ecstatic plain. Even with a running time approaching three hours, the time flew by, which I also attribute to Niegel Smith and Gabriel “Kwikstep” Dionisio’s masterful and breathless direction and choreography, respectively.

Now for the shortcomings. Despite Syncing Ink‘s undeniably high enjoyment factor (yesterday’s audience cheerfully ate it up), the show could use some trimming – the energy somewhat lags during some of the second act college scenes, and the show seemingly ends a few times. It also lacks the depth, gravity, and maturity (in character development, in plotting, in themes) of some of the very great musicals. In many ways, the the show feels like a stepping stone to an artistically more significant show. Still, Mr. Njikam’s work is thoroughly accomplished and explosively entertaining, and I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next.

If you’re interested in catching exciting new talents on the rise, get thee to the Flea. Syncing Ink runs through this weekend only.

RECOMMENDED

 

SYNCING INK
Off-Broadway, Musical
The Flea Theater, in association with Alley Theatre
2 hours, 45 minutes (with one intermission)
Through October 29

 

 

 

Categories: Off-Broadway, Theater

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