Twisted Melodies
Northlight Theater
,Skokie,Il
by Maja Rios
Northlight Theatre, Skokie, IL – July 17 – In the annals of rhythm and blues, few stories resonate with as much heartbreaking poignancy as that of Donny Hathaway. A voice that could melt glaciers, a songwriter of unparalleled depth, his flame burned fiercely but far too briefly. Now, at Northlight Theatre, Kelvin Roston Jr. steps into those impossibly large shoes for ‘Twisted Melodies,’ a one-man tour de force that’s less a play and more a channeling of a troubled genius.
From the moment Kelvin Roston Jr. takes the stage, he doesn’t just portray Hathaway; he becomes him. For nearly two hours, we’re locked inside Hathaway’s final, desperate hours in a New York hotel room, the twinkling city lights outside the window serving as both a beautiful distraction and a cruel reminder of a world spinning on without him. This isn’t just acting; it’s an exorcism, as Roston Jr. navigates the depths of Hathaway’s spiraling mental health with a raw, unflinching honesty that’s almost unbearable to witness. He sings, he speaks, he laughs, he weeps, he screams – every emotion laid bare, every fractured piece of Hathaway’s psyche exposed.
It’s an astonishing feat for any artist to carry a show solo, let alone embody a legend with such vocal prowess and emotional gravitas. Kelvin Roston Jr. not only performs, but he also wrote the monologue and masterfully accompanies himself on keyboards, a testament to his staggering talent. His voice, a sensitive instrument, captures Hathaway’s distinctive timbre and emotional range, moving effortlessly from the soaring heights of “A Song for You” to the gritty urgency of “The Ghetto.” We’re treated to soul-stirring renditions of classics like “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know,” “Someday We’ll All Be Free,” and “You Are My Heaven,” each interwoven with dialogue that illuminates Hathaway’s struggles and moments of profound clarity. Even a few gospel numbers, harking back to Hathaway’s church roots, find their way in, adding another layer to the complex tapestry of his life.
Under the seasoned direction of Chicago theater veteran Ron O. J. Parson, the production never misses a beat. The pacing is relentless, the transitions seamless, pulling the audience deeper into Hathaway’s internal chaos. Roston Jr.’s facial expressions and nuanced vocal inflections are mesmerizing, painting a vivid picture of a mind succumbing to the darkness of schizophrenia.
This isn’t just a tribute; it’s an immersive experience that reclaims Donny Hathaway from the tragic footnotes of music history and places him back in the spotlight, where his genius can be truly appreciated. The two hours fly by, leaving you breathless and profoundly moved. ‘Twisted Melodies’ isn’t just the best monologue this reviewer has ever seen; it’s an essential journey into the soul of a musical titan. Go see it. Seriously.
