Chris S.
Yelp
On November 7, 2024, I had the pleasure of seeing A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical courtesy of my affiliation with the New York Association of Black Journalists, a perk of being an active member. I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity, especially since my ticket was free.
That said, the show was so entertaining and well put together that it was absolutely worth the regular price of $137.36, which is what a ticket in my section, HH 211 in the upper balcony, typically costs.
The theater itself, as expected, was clean and well-organized, though it's rather small given the number of people it accommodates.
The seats, unfortunately, are also quite cramped. As a tall and bigger person, I felt like I was trapped in a tiny airplane seat, and I noticed others, even those of average or smaller build, also seemed a bit uncomfortable with how close the seating was.
If you're in the upper balcony, like I was, navigating the rows and steps requires extra care, as the spacing is quite tight.
Now, about the performance itself--it was truly remarkable.
The production was vibrant and soulful, with a lively pace and immersive storytelling.
The actor portraying Louis Armstrong gave a standout performance, bringing his story to life in an engaging way.
The musical follows Armstrong's life, touching on his marriages, his struggles, and pivotal moments in his career, culminating in the civil rights movement, which served as a powerful climax.
The set changes, tap dancing, and musical arrangements were all incredibly well-executed, creating a dynamic and captivating experience. The transitions between locations--Louisiana, Chicago, California, New York, Washington, D.C.--were seamless, and the overall atmosphere of the show transported the audience through Armstrong's incredible journey.
The Roundhouse Theater's team also deserves kudos for their responsiveness.
I tagged the production on Instagram after the show, and they quickly engaged with my post.
Even days later, when I shared Louis Armstrong-related content, they remained interactive, which made the experience feel even more personal.
One small downside was the concessions. I purchased a Louis Armstrong-themed cup, and while it was a fun souvenir, snacks and drinks were priced steeply--around $25-$30. My order was a bag of regular M&M, a chocolate chip cookie, and Sprite.
There is a CVS a round the corner and security seem only concern with safety... just saying.
Additionally, intermission traffic at the snack bar and restrooms was chaotic, so I opted to skip both to avoid long waits and the risk of missing part of the show.
The theater, while charming, could benefit from better crowd management and some upgrades to address these minor inconveniences.
Overall, my experience was fantastic despite the seating and logistical challenges.
The performance was a heartfelt tribute to Louis Armstrong's legacy, and I'm looking forward to returning for future productions.
If you're considering seeing A Wonderful World or any show of similar caliber, I'd recommend it wholeheartedly.
The quality of the performance more than justifies the ticket price, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to enjoy such an unforgettable night.
