Bob Marley's Three Little Birds at The New Victory Theater

"Don't worry about a thing

'Cause every little thing gonna be alright..." ~ Bob Marley

 

This past weekend, Aiden put on a dapper outfit and we headed to the sunny island of Jamaica. Well, not exactly. We took a trip to The New Victory Theater to check out Bob Marley's Three Little Birds and, with the six-part harmony, vibrant live music, bold colors on the stage set, and Caribbean accents, it certainly felt like we were on the island of Jamaica. Needless to say, it was a lovely refuge from the frigid city temperatures we've been experiencing lately.

Lil dapper dude

Based on the children's book by Bob Marley's daughter, Cedella, the musical features Bob Marley's timeless music and lyrics, and shares the message of peace, love and harmony. Not only is Three Little Birds funny, but it is also replete with life lessons and old adages that are told to children in an age-appropriate way. "You cannot be so fearful that you don't enjoy the world" is one of the first things told to Ziggy (the main character) by his mother when he refuses to play outdoors because he's too worried about tropical storms and evil spirits.

Eventually Ziggy's friend, Nansi convinces him to go on an adventure to get water from the ocean. (Although they were instructed to get water from the well. Nansi's a trickster like that and can get Ziggy to pretty much do what she wants him to do.) On their adventure they run into Duppy, the evil-spirit bird who wants to snatch a lock of Ziggy's gorgeous hair.

With Bob Marley's "One Love" playing in the background, Ziggy's best bird friend, Doctor Bird, along with his companions, drop knowledge like it's nobody's business:

Laugh when you're happy; cry when you're sad; and do both when you're the happiest you've ever been. 

When the music changes, so does the dance. 

A bird does not sing because it has an answer; it sings because it has a song. 

Autographed copies of our programs

What happens next between Ziggy, Nansi, and Duppy? Does Doctor Bird's knowledge ever sink in with Ziggy? Does Ziggy ever get over his fear of the outdoors? Does he ever embrace the vibrant spirit of Jamaica?  See the show to find out!

The musical is funny, engaging, and delightful. The best part? Watching Aiden sing along as the cast members sang "Is This Love?," "Jamming," and "Three Little Birds." I'm a fan of Bob Marley's songs and message, which is why I wanted to take Aiden to see the show, but I had no idea how much of Bob Marley's songs Aiden knows without me actually -- and explicitly -- playing them for him. It's amazing the way Bob Marley's songs have impacted so many people and generations!

Photo op with cast members Ziggy and Nansi

Bob Marley's Three Little Birds will run at The New Victory Theater through February 23, 2014. The musical is 55 minutes with no intermission and is great for children of all ages. Balcony seat prices start at just $14. Visit the website for more information or to get your tickets.

{Disclaimer: I received tickets to Three Little Birds in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.}