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Regional Reviews: Washington, D.C. CrazySexyCool: The TLC Musical Also see Susan's review of What Became of Us
The group was founded in 1990 by an ambitious producer who decrees that the three women "are going to be huge–if they do what I want them to do." They are Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins (Holli' Gabrielle Conway), Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes (Jade Milan), and Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas (Stoney B. Woods). The TLC initials are meant to refer to the singers' names, so Thomas takes on a stage name beginning with C. With the help of eight spot-on musicians conducted from the keyboard by Jaret Landon, TLC begins making its mark in the hip-hop world previously dominated by male groups. The musical shows them demonstrating their chops with MC Hammer (Christopher Henry Young, whose vivid costume by Dede Ayite deserves its own credit) and giving teenage girls something to aspire to. Chloe O. Davis has created vivid choreography for the women of TLC. The music and the women's careers are not the only dramatic issues here. T-Boz has been diagnosed with sickle cell disease and doesn't know how long she will be able to keep performing, Left Eye has both mental health issues and a violent romantic relationship, while Chilli just keeps hanging in there. During this period, TLC was receiving the Grammy Awards, earning gold records, and receiving widespread recognition, but the money was not coming in at a commensurate level and the group had to declare bankruptcy. The second act follows the women as they move beyond their careers. Left Eye travels to South America to learn how to maintain a sense of serenity from a renowned teacher (Felicia Curry, who seems to glow with inner peace), T-Boz faces an unexpected change in her life, and circumstances cause a stunning change in the group's future. All the cast members shine, but Conway and Milan stand out. CrazySexyCool: The TLC Musical runs through August 9, 2026, at Arena Stage, Kreeger Theater, Mead Center for American Theater, 1101 6th St. SW, Washington DC. For tickets and information, please call 202-488-3300 or visit www.arenastage.org. Written and directed by Kwame Kwei-Armah Cast: |
