Go see Emojiland: The Musical!
How would you like to see a musical about a community of emojis who live in a phone, preparing for an update, which, by the way, to emojis, is like celebrating new years. Friendships, love relationships and diabolical maneuvers are also part of this emoji story.
Although this sounds like a whimsical and comical premise, and it surely is, Emojiland: The Musical also provides depth and surprising poignant moments. It challenges us to think about how we perceive others, and how we define ourselves.
The entire cast of Emojiland is just crazy talented, complete with many Broadway veterans.
From Lucas Steele to Lesli Margherita to Ann Harada to Jacob Dickey to George Abud to Josh Lamon and more, each and every cast member gives their emoji part their all. The book, music and lyrics of Emojiland are written by Keith Harrison and Laura Schein (Laura also stars in the show), directed by Thomas Caruso, with choreography by Kenny Ingram.
Emojiland the Musical, (which has nothing to do with the Emojiland movie) is a definite must-see. Currently at the Duke, it closes March 19.
You will feel joyful at the end of the musical, enjoying the terrific performances of the happily exuberant cast.
To hear my interview with Jacob Dickey (smiling face with sunglasses emoji) and George Abud (nerdface emoji), listen to the “Bagels and Broadway with Valerie Smaldone” radio show, this Saturday at 9 on WNYM or on podcast at: Bagels and Broadway podcast page
Valerie Smaldone is a 5-time Billboard Magazine Award winner and is well known for her unprecedented success holding the #1 on-air position in the New York radio market on 106.7 Life-FM, an iHeart station. She has hosted, produced, and created several award-winning nationally syndicated programs featuring in-depth interviews with stars like Paul McCartney, Celine Dion, Rod Stewart, Elton John and Mariah Carey among others. Her radio talk show "Bagels and Broadway" highlighted theatre and food personalities. She is an accomplished interviewer and voice artist heard on commercials, narrations, promos and audiobooks, as well as a sought after live announcer.
Most recently, Valerie produced and directed a film, The Thursday Night Club, featuring pop diva Gloria Gaynor in her movie acting debut. She is one of the creators and producers of a docu-series, Divine Renovation, starring Erik Estrada, on streaming networks soon.
