“Paradise Square” from Paradise Square the Musical

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.

[@phoenixnyc]

It is a damning indictment on the state of modern Broadway that this didn't have a longer run.

[@jocelynsmith6633]

Idk if the cast and orchestra will ever see this, but please know that there is a girl in the middle of nowhere Iowa who has been listening to the songs on this channel nonstop since Kalukango sang at the Tony’s. Y’all are effing breathtaking! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ I may never get to see the show but listening to these few songs here is still life-changing. Thank you, thank you, thank you. ❤️

[@Melisadudley]

Hey!! I’m also in Iowa and I feel the exact same! I’d give anything too see this show live… I’m waiting for the sheet music to come out I so badly want to have a chance to perform this anywhere. It’s so emotional and just amazing.

[@marlysestrait7247]

also in Iowa. loved it....

[@odeanlawrence196]

Yes, agreed! 😌 Hello! I live in the LONDON, UK 🇬🇧💂🏼‍♂️🏰☕ So no chance of seeing the show either! So, THIS right here...is my EVERYTHING! 🥰 Again THANK YOU! THANK YOU! For allowing us the PRIVILEGE of seeing you all RAW. UNCUT. WITHOUT YOUR MAKEUP! 😅🤣 BRAVO! 😎🌹🌹🌹👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@ygb61]

I saw the show 8 times and am so sad I didnt get to see it eight more. I go to Broadway or off Broadway about once a week, sometimes more, and this show just floored me everytime. It was better than Hamilton, which I have seen 3 times

[@funke7000]

@@odeanlawrence196 in London too. Hoping for a miracle that will somehow resurrect this show and bring it here…

[@edwarddudek6098]

Saw the show last night in Chicago. Joaquina Kalukango’s performance was stunning. The emotions expressed during “Let it Burn” was very moving. Great vocal, dance and music performances from the cast all around as well.

[@willdonovan4821]

she's 100% getting a tony

[@jacobcohen1801]

@@willdonovan4821 The leading actress categorie is STACKED. I would guess her and Sharon D. Clarke will be the frontrunners though.

[@thrillhouse22]

Amazing show.

[@MacoGalo]

Here after Joaquina Kalukango’s win at the Tonys.

[@webklinger]

The entire soundtrack is amazing and every casting perfect to the part. Joaquina Kalukango is such a talented artist. If you love the vocals of this song then you’ll be awestruck when you hear “Let It Burn”. The vocals through the entire show was enough to pull people to their feet to their feet but none so much as Let It Burn where you feel the full range of her vocals.

[@mar1na1993]

They are obviously not sharing Let it Burn because they want people to see it 🤣 but I want it to relisten to!

[@somethingfunny5571]

Do you know where I can stream the whole thing or where it’s coming out??? Please I’m desperate

[@webklinger]

@@somethingfunny5571 well you can’t anymore. The show went bankrupt and will never be seen again, sadly!

[@somethingfunny5571]

@@webklinger so they’re not putting the soundtrack on Spotify? That sucks balls.

[@webklinger]

@@somethingfunny5571 there’s no cast to even record anymore. They filed suit for not getting paid. The stage crew filed suit for unsafe working conditions. It’s sad. It was a great musical.

[@lpinckney8646]

Standing Ovation for "Let It Burn" . This was good as well.

[@user-sh7em9ec9w]

I saw this musical on the 4th, and it was the first Broadway show I ever saw, and I’m so glad it was. I was shocked the entire time at how a show could be so well done. Thank you for making my first Broadway experience so incredible!

[@timothyj.mannion5210]

What a fantastic first show for you! I've been there three times and will be going as many times as can. It's as perfect a show as can be.

[@blackp2022]

want the entire cast recording out on cd and digital

[@macattac716]

Here after seeing they got nominated for the Tonys!! Congrats to the cast and crew 🎉🎉

[@rebeccajackson5915]

This show is beautiful! I love the diversity and passions put into the production. Everyone should know what Paradise Square truly is

[@Dandyd47]

From Berkeley to Broadway. Break a legume kids!

[@dino-pu9nn]

I saw this in chicago the other night. the music, the dancing, the acting, the set, everything was incredible. this is gonna kill on Broadway. good luck to everyone in nyc!

[@andredarin8966]

It may very well “kill” on Broadway but it’s unlikely in its current incarnation. The musical has a lot going for it and yet it is in need of some major changes. To cite a few; The choreography, often brilliant, has a runaway slave dancing in forms that have nothing to do with the Antebellum south, displaying a fusion of styles suggestive of Bob Fosse, Michael Jackson, and Gregory Hines, while the orchestra sounds like Duke Ellington’s band. Then there are the small things which in isolation might be insignificant but as an aggregate snap the fragile thread of an audience’s willful suspension of disbelief. One glaring example is the archvillian, Frederick Tiggens, who has been scheming to shut down Paradise Square, joining in the ensemble’s final approach-the-footlights anthem to keep the pub open. When did he get religion? Perhaps the most glaring problem with the show is the few minutes of the musical invested in the riots which, ostensibly, is why Nellie O’brien belts out “Let it Burn”. By way of comparison, compare how much of the second act of “Les Miserables” was spent at the barricades. There were eight songs and 14 minutes, including the death of two major characters as well as all the idealistic student revolutionists. A third problem that will likely be addressed: recitatives: there are three times we hear “Angelina Baker” and about as many of “Why Should I Die in Springtime.” The problem with this is they have to be cleverly disguised. To cite Les Miserables a second time, “On My Own” is suggested in act one when Fantine is dying, a second time as an entire song for Eponine in act two, and briefly during Valjean’s death and yet it doesn’t strike us that we’ve heard it before. As you said, it could take Broadway by storm but there is much work to be done before Broadway’s feral critics can dissect it.

[@yaycoffe123]

The best opening number I must say

[@joshuarosenthal6873]

Saw this in previews last week, and it's amazing! I hope this album gets released soon! This show is incredible in so many ways, and deserves the best.

[@FanOBarbaro]

This is probably my favorite song of what I've heard so far

[@mariapascarella1332]

I saw it twice and it is incredible ….. the vocals and dancing outstanding…. I can’t wait for the cast recording of this show

[@TheTheatrefan]

I just listen to this over and over. I'm so looking forward to seeing this on Broadway! Just beautiful.

[@Burtonboard90210]

Can not stop thinking about how phenomenal this show was!! The broadway company is incredible

[@sknauss16]

So glad I got to see this

[@AllenKlein]

Saw this show in Berkeley, CA. Wonderful inspiring production.

[@TravelwithTasha393]

It’s such a shame that none of these people were getting paid at all. The producer wasn’t paying them when the show came to Broadway was selling out almost every night. That man shouldn’t be able to produce another show

[@asiakaleem4587]

FREAKIN FANTASTIC!! I can wait to see this show again!!! I love all of these kids!! YOU ALL ROCK!!!💕💕💕💕

[@christianfranz2686]

I saw this with my school when it was in Chicago and it was awesome my choir teacher is actually friends with Matt bogart and we got to meet him after the show and I just about died

[@dawnstanley173]

Cant wait till they bring this to NYC! LOVE WHAT I'M HEARING

[@abbyaddleman6641]

First preview in Chicago last night was AMAZING!!!

[@yaycoffe123]

Omg it was fantastic

[@pbweinl]

Good for kids?

[@yaycoffe123]

@@pbweinl yes it’s a historical musical about a magical place that I wish was real

[@DragonPrincessAoife]

@@yaycoffe123 Pretty sure it was.

[@bossf51]

Just got tickets! Can't wait.

[@donnamasiulewicz8907]

Saw the Broadway preview earlier this week. AMAZING!!!! Prepare the Tony Awards!

[@nasirroper4011]

I saw it back to back!!!

[@joshuarosenthal6873]

@@nasirroper4011 I saw last night’s preview. Incredible!! I can’t wait for the cast album and to see this show again, which I most certainly am.

[@Analblockage]

I plan on seeing this at some point, but I don't see it winning many Tonys. Maybe best actress? I think A Strange Loop will be taking home the major awards for a musical.

[@THEDISH54]

Thank you to the cast, crew, orchestra because this was a magnificent telling of the story of THE FIVE POINTS! ChinaDoll of the Platters

[@kassdiamond]

Saw it before it closed on Sat July 16th and it was amazing!!! Great cast and music!!

[@guystudios]

Just saw this on Broadway! It was incredible!

[@yaycoffe123]

The opening number was strong and the show was phenomenal

[@joelleneker1259]

Going to see this show on Broadway July 16. Can’t wait to see the staging to these vocals

[@zackstark24601]

Your going to love it I saw it July 9th absolutely phenomenal From Start to Finish.

[@bbcbbc1717]

This lady is a star - such a great show and amazing performance.

[@zyon3900]

Just saw this last night✨Loved it!!!

[@Suri-A_]

Really like 😂 the song they all sang so beautifully and so wonderfully even read where the song up for 2022 Tony Award ❤️

[@yaycoffe123]

And the set was just a site to see

[@sarbela1]

Such an amazing show. The dancing! The singing!

[@kl.8992]

THIS IS MUSICAL THEATRE AT ITS FINEST

[@joyajohnson2216]

what I wouldn’t give for Joaquina’s voice

[@nicoletrudell2065]

She is spectacular!

[@user-lp7fc4iq3u]

saw the show on broadway 2 nights ago! maybe my favorite musical atp. they NEED to release the soundtrack

[@zackstark24601]

They announced the cast recording they just have to release it

[@zackstark24601]

It’s September where’s the Cast Recording?

[@Novaczar]

LITERALLY OBSESSED!!!!!👏🏼🌹

[@TheaterBuffs]

Awesome

[@kristyramsey6544]

This is awesome!

[@mr.bernji]

This sounds amazing! :-) Greets from Vienna

[@JO-db2ni]

Amazing vocals and song!

[@AlexSciavoMusicals]

Amazing. Bravo.

[@andredarin8966]

Star-turning performances, thrilling dance, and stellar lighting could gather a few Tony Awards. Nonetheless, with five months or so until the show opens on Broadway, the show needs major work. The literal show-stopper is Joaquina Kalukango’s “Let it Burn” but there is maze of subplots to negotiate before that moment arrives. A blurb promoting the musical tells us “The story was conceived by Larry Kirwan, the Irish-born writer and frontman of the Celtic rock band Black 47”. It is a daunting task to create the book of a musical and unlike producer Garth Drabinsky’s “Ragtime”, which was based on the celebrated novel by E.L. Doctorow, Larry Kirwan had to rely on snippets of the history of Five Points to bring this musical to life. The result as of now is a musical with flashes of brilliance while being bogged down by the aforementioned bloated subplots. And yet, this is exactly why shows often begin their journey to Broadway out of town. Anyone who heard (or saw) the original French version of “Les Miserables” would find it almost unrecognizable before Cameron Mackintosh put his hand to it. There certainly is gold to be mined from “Paradise Square” but Drabinsky and his creative staff need to dig deeper to find the emotional core of the show and trim off everything that which distracts from it.

[@Apesrock12]

I'm curious what you would cut. The only subplot that feels semi superfluous is Stephen Foster's

[@KatieMalate]

such a great show !

[@leandroigor5413]

Amaziiiiiing! 😭

[@yaycoffe123]

Sooo getting tickets for the last show on Friday

[@HiThere-ug4xm]

Absolutely incredible. Does anyone know when the official cast recording will be out?

[@danmurphy8454]

I would also like to know that

[@malachiflowers9790]

it’ll be out in may

[@barrett8826]

@@malachiflowers9790 dying to listen to it

[@somethingfunny5571]

I don’t think it’s coming out. The show weren’t bankrupt. Though if I know anything about Broadway, it will make a huge comeback and be on all of the steaming lol

[@dynasty8651]

The Tonys brought me here!! 🤟🏾❤

[@yaycoffe123]

When is the mix tape dropping y’all ?

[@Orholam5]

this gave me Prince of Egypt vibes hah

[@kmb1023x]

Just saw the show this weekend, it was INCREDIBLE! I can't wait for the cast album

[@mydayahgaseoconnell2565]

spotify when??! pls i need it

[@THEDISH54]

Saw this today….BRAVA!!!! ChinaDoll

[@babypinkrose73]

Is the cast album anywhere someone help

[@jennifera9071]

This is a great musical. It’s like if Zelda BOTW had a female heroine dropped in the middle of the game.

[@user-vk6ds9le9b]

IT'S BEAUTIFUL TO SEE THE ACTUAL RECORDING ! Weird to see a white person singing our song but we all need money

[@chickenelafsworld7105]

Maybe I’m just confused but isn’t the show about the solidarity and community between Irish immigrants and African Americans during a time where they were both facing heavy discrimination? If I’m off just lmk but the white people in this case make perfect sense.

[@samjacobs05]

@@chickenelafsworld7105nope. You’re right on. The whole show is about the African American and Irish community that inhabited the same area and their symbiotic relationship.

[@peteradaniel]

This is giving weak Les Mis. Yikes