Based on the Writings and Poetry of Langston Hughes
Adaptation by James Vesce
 
Directed by James Vesce
Dramaturgy by Malin Pereira
Choreography by Shauma Yandje Dibinga
Musical Direction by James Vesce
Scenic Design: Brian Ruggaber
Lighting Design: Tracy Fitch
Costume Design: Emily McCurdy
Sound Design: James Vesce

Rowe Theatre, UNC Charlotte

Street Song: The Rhythms of Langston Hughes is an adaptation of selected poems and stories of Langston Hughes. Divided into roughly two time periods in Act I (Harlem 1920-1940) and in Act II (Harlem today), the poems weave themselves around a handful of characters in and out of stories framed by a number of dances and musical numbers. This production also featured a guest appearance by Khalid Hill from the Broadway tour of Bring In Da Noise Bring In Da Funk.

Hughes' poetry is quick, jagged, and motive. That style is replicated in a seamless, fast-paced, scene-to-scene production with multiple transitions and changes- a two-hour non-stop fusion of the poetry with be-bop, hip-hop, jazz, R&B, African, and blues music and dance in over twenty-five non-linear performance segments. Five principal or permanent characters progress throughout the production: an Everyman and Everywoman who are participants, witnesses, and metaphors for the play itself; a Narrator or MC, who appears in various guises and characters, Vocalist; and Jesse B. Semple, or Simple, a Hughes character who represents the voice of Harlem. (An adaptation production featuring the Simple character, Simple Thoughts, was developed following the success of Street Song and is featured on this website.) Four fully staged dance numbers (house, old school/new school, swing, and African) compliment several impressive tap sequences.