Review: ‘Brown Broadway: The Musical’ at Assistance League Theatre

Written and directed by Billie King, “Brown Broadway: The Musical” follows Timothy Jackson (Jarrel O’Neil), a New Orleans musician carrying unresolved history into his new life in Los Angeles. As Jackson chases his dream, he becomes tangled in ambition, romance and a past that refuses to stay buried. The show positions Los Angeles’s Central Avenue as both backdrop and heartbeat, honoring its legacy as a cultural home for Black and brown performers.

Promotional image for "Brown Broadway: The Musical" at Assistance League Theatre

King’s vision is clear, but the show’s world-premiere production from Dec. 5 to 7 at the Assistance League Theatre struggled to execute it. Staging and choreography (Danielle Johnson) were sharp and had focused moments that held the audience’s attention, and set design was creative, offering a strong sense of place. But slow scene transitions repeatedly killed momentum.

Also, the acting felt uneven. There were a few moments that resonated, but much of the chemistry among the 14-member cast felt surface-level, which kept the story’s emotional stakes from fully landing. However, O’Neil as Jackson and Chaz Shepherd as Holden delivered strong performances. Their stage presence brought dimension to every scene they stepped in.

Costumes and lighting also grounded the production in its early 20^th-century time period and kept the tone clear. The visuals stayed consistent and easy to follow throughout. Sound design and vocal performances were the most powerful elements of the night. Music (by Dani B JAIA and Anthony Graham) and singing pushed the story forward with purpose. Even with a few missed cues and brief disconnects between the cast and musicians, the overall soundscape remained full and effective.

The strongest theme emerging from the show is the value of safe creative spaces for Black and brown artists. That message came through clearly and sparked reflection. However, the audience’s reaction during one of the performances was conflicted and often confused, matching my own experience. “Brown Broadway” has potential, but the world-premiere production struggled with cohesion. Music, set and choreography shone, yet stronger chemistry and tighter pacing would elevate the entire piece.

“Brown Broadway: The Musical” performed from Dec. 5 to 7 at the Assistance League Theatre, 1367 N. St. Andrews Pl., Los Angeles. Run time is 2 hours, including intermission. For more information, visit BrownBroadwayMusical.com.