‘Hamilton’ Director Thomas Kail Talks Helming Improvised Musical ‘Freestyle Love Supreme’
22.07.2022 - 02:07
/ variety.com
Jenelle Riley Deputy Awards, Features EditorOne of the joys of live theater is that it’s ephemeral — a show is never the same from night to night. But “Freestyle Love Supreme” has taken that up a notch, presenting an entirely improvised hip-hop musical revue created live on the spot.
The recipient of a Special Tony Award in 2021, the show has played all over the world since its inception in 2004 and now finds itself in the Los Angeles area at the Pasadena Playhouse through Aug. 7.Originally conceived by Anthony Veneziale and created by Veneziale, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Thomas Kail, who also directs, the shows roots took place during rehearsal breaks for another Tony-winning musical, Miranda’s “In the Heights.” Under Kail’s guidance, a structure began to take place, with an emcee moving the show along and certain freestyle games becoming part of the repertoire.
But absolutely anything can happen: on opening night in Pasadena, Veneziale delivered an emotional rap while revealing he was leaving the show to spend more time with his family. A Tony winner for his direction of “Hamilton,” Kail is a frequent collaborator with Miranda, having also directed “In the Heights.” He is also a sought-after screen director, having served as director and executive producer on “Grease: Live” and the series “Fosse/Verdon.” Variety recently spoke to Kail about the long journey of the show from backstage to center stage and what’s up next.You’ve been playing all over the world for years now — what has it been like to see the show in so many places? And how has it evolved?It’s interesting to me that when we were first putting on the show, it was in basements and music clubs, and then comedy clubs.
No one really knew where to put us. We
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