**** Recommended **** I was in awe as I watched Paradise Square the other night! It’s a show that has the potential to become a classic. It has an interesting story, incredible talent, amazing voices, brilliant choreography and huge production numbers. There was even a standing ovation for Joaquina Kalukango’s rendition of Let It Burn, a song that sent shivers up my spine, it was so great! Paradise Square needs a little more work before it’s ready to open on Broadway, however. 4 Spotlights
Paradise Square is set a bar in the Five Points neighborhood in lower Manhattan, a bar owned by Nelly O’Brien (Joaquina Kalukango), a Black woman married to Willie O’Brien (Matt Bogart), an Irish immigrant who’s going off to fight in the American Civil War. Her feisty Irish sister-in-law, Annie (Chilina Kennedy), is married to Reverend Samuel Jacob Lewis (Nathaniel Stampley), a Black minister.
Times were tough for Irish immigrants who were considered to be the lowest of the low. In fact, many businesses had signs that read, “Irish Need Not Apply.” Times were even tougher for the Black community in New York, but they welcomed the Irish. Paradise Square was a haven filled with laughter, music and dancing, demonstrated in the opening number of the same name.
One day Annie’s nephew, Owen Duignan (A.J. Shively), fresh off the boat from Ireland, strolled into the bar. Annie, delighted to see him, offered him a room and a job dancing in the bar. That same day, Rev. Lewis brought an escaped slave, Washington Henry (Sidney DuPont) into the bar. In spite of the danger, Washington wanted to stay until he could be reunited with his wife. Nellie offered him a room and a job dancing – they ended up sharing the room and dancing together. One day Milton Moore (Jacob Fishel), a piano player wondered into the bar. Nellie let him stay and play.
Rumors were flying about a new draft. The name of every worker and immigrant would be placed in a lottery. Men could avoid going by paying $300 (roughly a year’s wages) to the government. Nellie decided to raise 
money to pay her taxes with a feis (party), a dance contest with a prize of $300.
Three of my friends who saw Paradise Square in previews said it was just too much. I wasn’t sure what they meant until about the fifth song in the show when I went into overload. Every song doesn’t have to be a blockbuster. A quiet ballad or two is always a good idea. Just because you have this great chorus, you don’t have to use them in every song. For instance, there’s a wonderful reunion between Washington and his wife Angelina (Gabrielle McClinton). They sing a romantic ballad, Breathe Easy, to each other when suddenly there’s a whole chorus singing behind them. My question is why?
Another question I had. How/why does Milton Moore, the anonymous piano player, turn out to be Stephen Foster? It seems awfully convenient that he could go into society, play and sing a new song and betray everyone at Paradise Square.
Paradise Square was conceived by Larry Kirwan; the book was written by Christina Anderson, Marcus Gardley, Craig Lucas and Larry Kirwan. Music by Jason Howland, lyrics by Nathan Tyson & Masi Asare with additional music by Larry Kirwan inspired in part by the songs of Stephan Foster.
Note: Guests must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test from the last 72 hours, or a negative antigen test from the last 
6 hours. before entering the theater. Guests are required to wear masks while inside the building.
Paradise Square runs through December 5th at the James M. Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph, Chicago. Running time is 2 hours, 35 minutes with an intermission. Remaining performances are Tuesdays at 7:30 pm, Wednesdays at 2:00 & 7:30 pm, Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Fridays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 2:00 pm & 8:00 pm, Sundays at 2:00 pm. There will be no performance on Thanksgiving Day, November 25th. There will be a matinee on Friday, November 26th at 2:00 pm. Tickets range from $25-$116.50. FYI (800) 775-2000 or www.broadwayinchicago.com.