THE SHOW | theeasyrollers

DROP ME OFF IN HARLEM

WHAT IS THE SHOW?

A musical journey through The Jazz Age & The Golden Age

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You may have seen them at a gig, lindy hop event or music festival but The Easy Rollers have another creative way to present the music they play. The 'show' is a snapshot of The Jazz Age (1920-1933) and The Swing Era (1933–1947) with theatrical interludes, popular dance styles of the time and some of the finest jazz this side of the Atlantic!

With the music as the main focus, it features a cabaret style performance with songs strung together by either theatrical, factual or musical segues, offering audiences an authentic underground speakeasy experience and the opportunity to discover more about the post-prohibition era and jazz during the Great Depression.

For the past three years we have taken the show to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, as well as appearing at a number of other festivals and theatres around the UK. 2023 saw a UK Tour of an extra special two-act show that took audiences through the Prohibition and beyond, with music from the Jazz Age and Swing Era.

We played at venues such as RNCM Concert Hall, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room, Cedars Hall, Toulouse Lauterc, Prohibition Cabaret Bar, Clonter Theatre and Peggy's Skylight. After a successful run, we have decided to write a new show for 2025. We've got new tunes, new skits, new arrangements and well... you’ll have to come and see it to find out more. Previews for this show will take place in late 2024.

Here is the trailer from our show to give you an idea.....

The Reviews Hub

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“… Sicari’s pin-sharp vocals articulate the meaning, and the fun, of each number. The rest of the band backs her up not only with magnificent arrangements and individual technical skill but also with lashings of good humour. This is a group that gels well together, which always enhances the musical quality...”

London, 2023

Mag North

“Their history and friendship is apparent throughout the show, through their endearing chemistry and rapport. ‘Drop Me Off in Harlem’ explores the jazz age (1920-1933) and the swing era (1933-1947) by enveloping the audience in a fuzzy, romanticised time machine, sweeping us back to the speakeasy’s we can now only see in film, photographs and imagination. Referencing things like the Great Depression, the notorious Al Capone, and silent movies through to ‘talkies’, you feel like you can reach out and touch the roaring 20s.”

Manchester, 2023

Be Bop Spoken Here

“…if the response from the sold out audience is anything to go, it all went down a storm. Fascinating Rhythm, a hint of Maple Leaf Rag, Mean to Me, 'S Wonderful, the Easy Rollers were making new friends here on Pink Lane.”

Newcastle, 2023

FringeReview 2019 by Tim Waldock

"A slick, tightly choreographed hour of sizzling speakeasy from a melodious young septet."

"...we get an hour of sumptuous sounds and mellifluous melodies at our very own 21st century “speakeasy” down in the cavernous Jazz Bar on Chambers Street..."

"...This is a band that let’s their music do the talking with the very cleverly crafted segues acting as a brief, seamless link from one number to the next..."

"...It really is foot-tapping music in a show that never really stops to draw breath – and is all the better for it. Musicianship is top-notch and Sicari’s voice is to die for...."

"...Definitely one to recommend for all music lovers and particularly anyone with a fondness for Tin Pan Alley and its big back catalogue..."

Read the full review HERE.

Tell us about the show:

Our show is musical and theatrical journey through the Prohibition era into the Swing Era. The music is the main focus, and how could it not be with seven award winning musicians, but we have threaded it together with skits and theatrical interludes about the culture, music and happenings of the time presented in a fun and engaging way. Excellent music and slightly educational… almost.

We are 100% self produced. We have an amazing band who, especially in the last few years have become really involved in the show, offering incredible inputs to song arrangements and script suggestions. It has really developed and changed every year since 2017.

Not often do you see the band members get involved with the script..! We have grown this over the years and it’s so great to have a full ‘cast’ in the band. This year as well, we have worked with a text and vocal coach called Anne Whitaker. She has given us tips on how to use our voices in the space and different tools to deliver text. Often if you have an instrument in front of you, you won’t need to speak on stage so this has been extremely vital in the progress of the show.

Read the full interview HERE.

Read the 2019 interview HERE.