Little Girl Blue at New World Stages

The New York Times - Somewhat Recommended

"..."Little Girl Blue" loses focus during the Montreux concert, as the push and pull between Simone's talent and her demons, her activism and the world around her, becomes harder to pin down - it feels as if Michelle was somehow bedeviled by her subject. Then again, she is not the first, nor the last: Liz Garbus's Oscar-nominated documentary is tellingly titled "What Happened, Miss Simone?""

TheaterScene.net - Highly Recommended

"...Nina Simone's vocal talents, physical presence and spirit are all dazzlingly channeled by Laiona Michelle in her engaging self-written biographical concert-style musical, Little Girl Blue. Ms. Michelle employs just enough of Simone's cadences, facial expressions and physical gestures to create an authentic characterization while supremely singing over a dozen songs associated with the charismatic vocalist. The show's well-researched spoken word portions deliver historical facts, biographical details and cultural commentary in the manner of Simone."

NY Theatre Guide - Somewhat Recommended

"...What this show does get right is Michelle's undeniable powerhouse voice. The music is there, and every time she opens her mouth, the melodies pour out glistening waterfalls. Songs like "Feeling Good" and "I Put a Spell on You" rock you to the core and remind you of Simone's talent and gift for presenting music that served substance. If this had been a concert with little to no dialogue, it would have probably exceeded expectations. However, Little Girl Blue was just too little and too blue."

Theatrely - Highly Recommended

"...Little Girl Blue, a one-woman storm written by and starring Laiona Michelle, captures Simone's mercurial temperament and divine vocal prowess with unflinching sincerity. Michelle channels Simone's presence and nature through an incredibly physical performance, one perhaps too big for the New World Stages auditorium at which the show opened last night."