"Let It Burn" from Paradise Square the Musical ft. Tony Award Winner Joaquina Kalukango

"Let It Burn" from Paradise Square the Musical featuring Tony Award Winner Joaquina Kalukango
Get tickets now at ParadiseSquareMusical.com
________
NEW YORK, 1863. AS THE CIVIL WAR RAGES ON,
free Black Americans and Irish immigrants live and love together in the unlikeliest of neighborhoods - the dangerous streets and crumbling tenement houses of Lower Manhattan’s notorious Five Points slum. The amalgamation between the communities took its most exuberant form with raucous dance contests on the floors of the neighborhood bars and dance halls. It is here in the Five Points where tap dancing was born. But this racial equilibrium would come to a sharp and brutal end when President Lincoln’s need to institute the first Federal Draft to support the Union Army would incite the deadly NY Draft Riots of July 1863.
Within this galvanizing story of racial harmony undone by a country at war with itself, we meet the denizens of a local saloon called Paradise Square. These characters include the indomitable Black woman who owns it; her Irish-Catholic sister-in-law and her Black minister husband; a conflicted newly arrived Irish immigrant; a fearless freedom seeker; an anti-abolitionist political boss; and a penniless songwriter trying to capture it all. They have conflicting notions of what it means to be an American while living through one of the most tumultuous eras in our country’s history.
With visceral and nuanced staging and choreography that captures the pulsating energy when Black and Irish cultures meet and set to a contemporary score that reimagines early American song, Paradise Square depicts an overlooked true-life moment when hope and possibility shone bright.

[@calvinhudson3468]

I cannot listen to this song without saying “Jesus Effing Christ” right afterwards. She blows me away every time. You can hear every bit of acting and raw emotion in her voice. Few people have deserved the Tony more than her.

[@kylecrawford7228]

the fact that she shatters this performance 8 shows a week blows my mind.

[@willdonovan4821]

I worked for the Chicago pre-Broadway, instant standing ovation every. Single. Show.

[@pr9400]

@@willdonovan4821 Well deserved! Thanks for sharing. She is beyond incredible! I hope my health improves so I can see this show. Truly remarkable!

[@scottwright6054]

I’m finally seeing it tomorrow night!

[@kylehenson5740]

If you’ve seen Joaquina perform this live, you’ll know that when she holds that final note, she makes sure to connect with EVERY last member of the audience. From left to right, front to back, orchestra and mezzanine. She MAKES you see and feel the sheer emotion and power she uses in this song.

[@willdonovan4821]

@@kylehenson5740 this!!!

[@Sweetmisery99]

She’s now my gold standard for vocal stamina. Damn. I play woodwinds and I am absolutely dazzled by her. All of it. From the emotion to the “bitch try it” last note.

[@carlabronner615]

Black American history of trauma and triumph in one brilliant performance .

[@Mcg59]

The story was MUCH MUCH bigger than black trauma. You missed the ENTIRETY of the show if that is all you walked away from it with. It's pretty sad if that is all you took.

[@mken101]

This song was the first and only time I've ever seen a mid-show standing ovation. Joaquina was absolutely incredible.

[@waynephillips5013]

She has a once in a generation voice. It is overwhelming. We have witnessed the birth of a bright new star.

[@candaceammielle]

how can she sing this 8 times a week?!? Joaquina Kalukango is a fighter and a legend ✊🏽💖

[@somethingfunny5571]

Exactly! I’m really optimistic for the future of this show

[@emmalapointe4771]

I saw this with the understudy, and it was still the most powerful and moving experience of my life. Fully sobbing, tears rolling down my face, and immediate standing ovation. I just wanted to give some appreciation for her, she was SOOO good.

[@nayeale5]

This is gonna be on repeat for the next WEEK. Literally still in shock.

[@zackstark24601]

I swear when the Orchestrations kick in with her acting absolutely phenomenal.

[@wendyjackson5578]

SHE IS NOTHING SHORT OF SPECTACULAR, ANOINTED AND TRULY A GIFT TO THE WORLD!

[@SlytherinKilljoy]

just got home from seeing the penultimate performance and there was a truly so deserved standing ovation in the middle of this song. she was in tears by the end. a stunning performance, fantastic show, and a very well deserved tony win. just wish the producer hadn’t fucked it all up/everyone over.

[@Thatrandomguyhere]

When I saw this in the beginning of June, I had no idea what to expect. Walking out of the theater I was in awe. The entire cast was amazing and the set, costumes, and lighting was super clever! One of the best musicals I’ve seen in a long time.

[@briansounalath]

Didn’t it seem like the most tiring show ever? But in a good way. That cast sure had a lot of dancing to do!

[@Shady_Shake]

It's so sad that they are closing this show this song shows how perfect this show is and that it needs a national tour. I'm so glad I saw it the Tuesday before it closed

[@jdlund]

Given how brutal and ugly the producers handled the end of this show I have to imagine that greatly impacts the likelihood of a tour.

[@mgoodin1973]

I was there for opening night. The audience erupted into a standing ovation---and the song wasn't even over.

[@Robertjj56]

How exciting. Who do you know from the production?

[@MikolAnthony]

She ate this up and served it several times backkkkkk just in case they missed!!!!!!!!

[@oliviagaddy-fisher6053]

I’m sure at some point when everything has been taken care of, the show will come back. It’s too strong, powerful and it melts peoples heart. I saw it three times and I thought it was the best show on Broadway. Many still want to see it, and I want to see it again with the original cast. BRAVO for PARADISE SQUARE 🎭🎭🎭🎭🎭🎭

[@TravelwithTasha393]

The producer shouldn't be able to produce another show. I looked up the information and he was released from prison a while ago. He wasn't paying them at all, and considering the show was selling out he was probably taking the money out of the company.

[@sjbrox14]

I saw Paradise Square for the second time(first with Joaquina’s incredible understudy Kayla in May- also standing ovation) on July 2nd and have never jumped to my feet so fast after a song. The emotion, Joaquina’s vocals, I was so moved. She really sent shivers up and down my spin. This is the single best performance I’ve ever witnessed and I’ve seen many shows. RUN, do not walk to see this amazing cast. It truly deserves a sold out audience every night and I feel so fortunate to have seen this incredible show and cast.

[@rmcmariusable]

She sounds so much better during the show and on this recording than she did on a very tiring Tony Awards day. Please go see it in person before it closes. She is fantastic throughout and has another fantastic song in the 1st act.

[@briansounalath]

Omg yes. In person during the show it was like butter. Tony’s was hoarse and this feels a bit yelly. In person it was like “wow” literally the audience started screaming and then standing ovation. She has to be seen live.

[@TravelwithTasha393]

Correct me if I am wrong, but I think they still have to perform a 2:00 pm show on the day of the Tony's awards. So that's why she was sooo horse. She had did it less than 3-4 hours before and she still had to go and kill it.

[@timothyj.mannion5210]

@@TravelwithTasha393 Actually, the Understudies do the big roles on Tony day so that the stars can relax for the evening performances.

[@melissacasey6632]

I had goosebumps when I heard it in the theatre and it still gives me goosebumps. Every. Single. Time.

[@blackp2022]

This song hit the Tony award performance she deserves a awards I’m happy she sing this song to represent the award 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥👏👏👏👏👏👏👏✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭👏👏👏✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿🔥🔥🔥🔥❤️❤️❤️ she must be on the national tour of paradise square

[@Julia-ev2su]

I saw this twice it’s pre-Broadway runs in Chicago and it was such a bone chilling performance, definitely my favorite musical. Give it the love it deserves! ❤️❤️❤️

[@glsweeney721]

This show is closing on Sunday, July 17. Not acceptable but seeing this live will change your life..

[@zackstark24601]

This makes me sad it’s closing

[@ermo6987]

Anyone else just hit that last 45 seconds on repeat? Can’t just be me.

[@zackstark24601]

I saw it yesterday live and it was phenomenal I even met her before I saw the show she was so nice.

[@matthewfredrickson5045]

AHHH!! I was feet from her at an early performance of this and it was a TRANSCENDENT experience! I don't think I've ever sobbed during a performance, like chest heaving, until that moment and I've been to SO SO SO MANY live performances. TRULY TRULY TRULY TRANSCENDENT!!! Had any of her spit landed on me, I would have never showered again.

[@Analblockage]

I got goosebumps listening to this. I can't imagine how powerful this is live. I need to see this for this performance alone.

[@ingridameliaapgar]

It's absolutely nuts. I went once, I went back 4 days later.

[@k9_uke_k9]

1st time hearing the whole song since watching Paradise Square segment Tony Awards 2022 on tv. Brava! Lots of goosebumps and emotions especially at the last note

[@chromiony]

i have seen it twice. Standing ovation every time.

[@ygb61]

I saw it 8 times, 7 with Joaquina, 1 with the understudy. 8 standing ovations after this song. Joaquina had real tears coming down her face while sing this song 7 times out of 7. Most amazing performance I have ever seen on Broadway, Opera, concerts, etc and I've seen probably 35 broadway shows, Ana Netrebko, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Aretha, Prince, Mariah, Diana Ross, etc.

[@Diamondstar7851]

I don't love the song, but Ms. Kalukango makes it into a showstopper anyway. I hope she becomes a big star so she can play Mama Rose in about 10 years.

[@GwendolynBrown]

Fantastic! Wonderful technique! Joaquina Kalukango is indeed amazing. Unique voice with so much heart. Can't wait for the sheet music to be released as well as the cast recording.

[@GaryFuqua]

This coming out the morning of the Roe v. Wade overturn……wow.

[@jobon87]

Seeing this in person hits differently. Such an amazing performance, well deserved Tony win!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@beedubya8836]

My gawd!! Still heart wrenching and tear inducing all this time later. Phew 😮‍💨

[@JamesWright-wz4ch]

This song is even more timely with all that has happened in the past week and all that is to come. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@andylawrence170]

I had the genuine privilege of seeing Paradise Square and Ms. Kalukango’s incomparable performance the weekend of the Tony’s and for the first time witnessed a genuine show-stopping performance - a memory I will not soon forget as it is “burned” into my memory for eternity. Congratulations to Ms. Kalukango and the entire cast and Mr. Jason Howland for his vision!

[@bbcbbc1717]

I am from overseas and came in for the Tonys and was blown away from her live performance and the reaction of Radio City - clearly now one of the iconic Tony awards performance!!!! Didn’t know much about the show but booked in to see it the following week. Saw a Saturday matinee and Joaquín’s ability to deliver an equally impactful performance cemented her in my mind as a certified star. Can’t get the show out of my mind (loved everyone in the show) Looking forward to the soundtrack coming out and researching previously work of Ms K!

[@andylawrence170]

@@bbcbbc1717 I could not agree with you more! An iconic Tony performance, without question! I’m sure it won’t be long before the cast album is released. I understand Billy Jay Stein at Strange Cranium Productions has a hand in the mixing and producing. It’s sure to be worth the wait if Billy is at the helm. He won the 2015 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album for producing and mixing Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Cheers!

[@ioriterry]

Omg finally can listen to it on repeat!!

[@JaySmith_]

the fact we never got a cast recording of this show still pisses me the off.

[@BroadwayMe]

It was recorded, but has been held back from release because people have not been paid.

[@pennyhu4367]

Literally have been listening to this on repeat for days after seeing them on stage last week! Still super sad it’s closed already… PLEASE PLEASE release cast recording album!!!

[@omipolonejewelry6502]

It is absolutely crazy that the show hasn’t had enough popularity that it is being taken off of broadway. It is touring but without most of the main character actors including her. I’m hoping it gets enough popularity over tour that it will come back, since it is such an amazing show

[@zackstark24601]

This show would have won best musical if that Criminal wasn’t the lead producer.

[@omipolonejewelry6502]

@@zackstark24601 what do you mean? I don’t want to sound mean of anything. What happened?

[@zackstark24601]

@@omipolonejewelry6502 Garth Dabrinsky Is a Producer who committed fraud and forgery in 2009 He was Sent to Prison and was released on parole in 2014 Unfortunately He took advantage of paradise square by not paying any of the cast and crew members there paychecks as a result they put him on the do not work list.

[@athepaki7706]

@@omipolonejewelry6502 The producer is known for not paying salaries and basically creating a hostile work environment so this production unfortunately was doomed from day one. The cast has already sued him

[@omipolonejewelry6502]

@@athepaki7706 wow, that’s awful. Did the actors turn out getting thier pay?

[@rainlandproductions7212]

I have Chromosthesia - I can see music. And there's... Well, I don't have words to describe the colors I witness when I listen to this. I fainted the first time I heard it and although that sounds quasi-ingenue, don't worry. It feels like it. I can't get through this without crawling on the floor.

[@lpinckney8646]

I almost didn't see this show. I didn't think I wanted to sit through a musical about Irish and black period piece. I am so glad I went. I was sitting first row orchestra and my mouth stayed open the entire show. When this show play all I could say was Damn. Amazing. The Tony version was only 30% of that it sounded like live. The marketing of the show was horrible. They should have pushed this song from the beginning not right before the show was forced to close. Sure hope someone can bring it back. A very powerful show.

[@anthonygardner400]

No words. Breathtaking.

[@blake_henry]

I can hardly wait for this soundtrack to come out! I’m literally so excited for this😁😁😁😁😁😁🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@musicallou4900]

This sets my soul on fire

[@Lukeisacoolname]

The way I need this song on Apple Music

[@cvanco65]

Simply incredible!

[@tferg73]

Perfection! I have to see this show!

[@alextoussaint866]

Fell in love with this show and this song, and Joaquina because of the Tony’s. So much so that I came to NYC to see it. Worth every minute. It’s also the fact that this show is at the end of the show. Like wow!

[@sro7891]

Can’t wait to see this show! I hope Joaquina is still playing in August!

[@glsweeney721]

The show is closing after this week

[@elliefowler2508]

i think i broke the replay button

[@wubbalubbadubdub3762]

If ANYONE has a slime tutorial of this let me know, been really into this particular slime and need a recipe ASAP

[@jeannekennedylegall4617]

RACISM.......LET IT BURN!!!!!!!!! Salute from Buffalo New York ♠️

[@Bexoxo86]

This whole performance is something special... that 4:00 - 4:21 though..... Damn.

[@veb_edvard]

I need September to come now...

[@logan.weisberg]

UGHHHHH it’s so powerful

[@michelleortega3655]

Finally❤️❤️❤️

[@CrystalShannon713]

Bought our tickets today

[@garettap]

Me when I bite into a hot pocket that just came out the microwave

[@rodericklee8251]

Absolutely genius

[@MaxSauberman]

🔥🔥

[@veb_edvard]

what is taking so long, now they say the artists have not been paid. yet on wikipedia it says the album was expected to be released in september and yet it still has not come...

[@veb_edvard]

release dat cast recording, this song needs to be in my collection of show tunes stored in my iPod...

[@zackstark24601]

They originally said it would be released digital In May yet here we are at the end of June and no cast recording released yet They said around the summer so maybe hopefully this Friday or maybe next Friday. I think they should release it digital this Friday since 4th of July is coming this week

[@lostinthemelody983]

i hope we get an album. please

[@noramcdowell7]

#joaquinakalukango is 🔥 #LetItBurn

[@jscooks1995]

When is the full soundtrack coming out? Was supposed to be released a month ago.

[@JP-sj5zn]

Wonderful👏🏻 Any idea when the actual cast recording will be available (was supposed to be out in May)?

[@charliesolari7097]

there’s rumors that they never paid some people for the soundtrack, which is why it hasn’t come out yet. very shady financial things going on behind the scenes of this production….

[@ygb61]

Spoke to the cast after the show and numerous members said it is coming out in September.

[@somethingfunny5571]

@@ygb61 really????? That’s amazing news

[@ellissmith3098]

👏👏👏👏👏

[@shg3rr611]

Love a black women to infinity to infinity

[@Abby123580]

seriously when is the cast album coming out?!? I check every day

[@zackstark24601]

They originally said it would be released digital In May yet here we are at the end of June and no cast recording released yet They said around the summer so maybe hopefully this Friday or maybe next Friday. I think they should release it digital this Friday since 4th of July is coming this week

[@logan.weisberg]

Months later and we’re still hoping 🤞🏼

[@courtneystein3651]

Why did KZbin remove her full Tony awards performance?!!?

[@matthewrichardsjr.8260]

Ya know when something will be shown to musical theatre majors in 15 years that it’s matched hall of fame status…..? Yeah… this^^^

[@EricGelb]

for us and the children

[@thekermitkid1992]

I live in the UK and so currently can't see the show... any word on the cast album to tide us over before the London transfer.. (pretty please)

[@cyclewisecaitlin]

Can anyone provide a plot synopsis so we know what the context of this song is? Would love to know more about it!

[@zackstark24601]

Basically those baddies let by John Dossett Character burned down her saloon and she is singing that they can take away her saloon but never their spirit

[@filmladyproduction]

Can we please see this on Disney +

[@armadillo1082]

guys please tell me if the soundtrack has been released i can’t find it anywhere!!! on apple music pls, i’m desperate to listen to the musical in order!! :)))))

[@zackstark24601]

They said it would be released around September

[@armadillo1082]

@@zackstark24601 thank you so much! xxx

[@bomills6450]

wheres the cast album? i need it ASAP

[@blackp2022]

They are getting it to release give them time to get the album recording out soon be on the updated follow them on social media so you can keep the updated

[@zackstark24601]

It’s September where’s the Cast Recording?

[@davidwh2653]

idg why i can't listen to this on apple music

[@zackstark24601]

#ReleaseTheBroadwayCastRecording

[@jamaritaylor7853]

When can we get this on Apple Music I’m begging!

[@leandroigor5413]

please, i'm begging too!

[@zackstark24601]

They originally said it would be released digital In May yet here we are at the end of June and no cast recording released yet They said around the summer so maybe hopefully this Friday or maybe next Friday. I think they should release it digital this Friday since 4th of July is coming this week

[@zackstark24601]

#ParadiseSquareTonyWinner

[@Beargirl1359]

She has given Idina Menzel a run for her money.

[@keitrawilson9585]

2:45

[@eddieking4621]

What is the context of this song? I love this song but can’t really watch the full musical

[@sarahbrighteyes]

SPOILER ALERT! The musical is about escaped slaves, free-born blacks, and Irish immigrants all living in the slums of NYC (Five Points) during the Civil War. It starts off with positive vibes between the groups and everyone living harmoniously. Eventually tensions between the groups escalate (thanks to political manipulation) and violence breaks out. The Irish people, who are angry about returning from war to find their jobs being taken over by black people, lash out and burn the neighborhood to the ground. Joaquina's character is the owner of a community hotspot pub, which at first is a safehaven to those trying to escape the violence and chaos in the streets, but eventually it too becomes a target of destruction. Luckily, everyone is able to get out safely, but she is forced to watch her beloved home/pub/community gathering place go up in flames. Hope this helps! :)

[@eddieking4621]

@@sarahbrighteyes thank you so much for responding 🙏🏻 the song makes total sense now. I can’t wait for the cast album to come out now

[@Orholam5]

where is the OBCCCCC recording?

[@veb_edvard]

I know still waiting, I'm ready for this baby to be born...

[@lolhamilton4235]

Now that the show is over they not making a cast album?

[@athepaki7706]

They did. They can't share it because everyone is still unpaid.

[@thelivesofme1]

Sigh, where is this cast recording

[@merenthaunderground645]

😗💨