The Good Times Roll With ‘Five Guys Named Moe’ At Theatrical Outfit
Eugene Russell, Lois Reitzes and Renee Clark.
Tess Kincaid
Actor Eugene Russell and musical director Renee Clark joined Lois Reitzes in conversation about the music of Louis Jordan and their joyful new production about the legendary singer, musician, bandleader and songwriter.
His wildly popular songs like “Ain’t Nobody Here But Us Chickens” and “Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby” offered humor with an irresistible beat during the challenging times of the ’30s, ’40s and ’50s. Jordan is widely recognized as a pioneer of jump blues and boogie woogie and an inspiration for R&B and rock and roll. Clark Russell also give Louis Jordan credit for hip-hip as well.
This week, Theatrical Outfit is launching their exuberant comedy inspired by the “King of the Jukebox” with the Broadway musical, Five Guys Named Moe. The play’s protagonist is a down on his luck fellow until five guys named Moe spill out of his radio and encourage him to turn his life around, with a lot of singing and dancing along the way.
There is a lot of encouragement and support going on backstage as well. Musical director, Renee Clark is also the sole female performer in the show, as pianist in the band.
Clark reflected on the experience, “I was very skeptical about doing a show with 11 men. But I have watched such brotherhood. It’s been so amazing to watch these guys push each other and support each other and be stern with each other. This is brotherhood like I’ve never seen it before.”
Five Guys Named Moe opens at the Theatrical Outfit on May 29 and runs through June 30.
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