'Bob Marley: How Reggae Changed the World' at Soho Playhouse
Duane Forrest's one-man Bob Marley: How Reggae Changed the World show is part of the International Fringe Encore Series currently taking place at New York's Soho Playhouse.
It's kind of like a cool university class, with Forrest on guitar singing a set of mostly Bob Marley tunes and linking it all to Jamaica and his own personal history.
The Toronto native begins with "Jammin'" and then explains how reggae began with Toots and the Maytals' "Do the Reggay" in 1968. He mashes up "One Love" with Curtis Mayfield's "People Get Ready" and "Three Little Birds" wih Bobby McFerrin's "Don't Worry Be Happy" in the 17-song set. Forrest encourages the crowd to sing-a-long, especailly on the choruses.
For 75 minutes, Forrest's malleable voice, credible guitar-playing and Rasta presence command the tiny stage at the historic townhouse theater on Vandam St. The show runs through Feb. 1.
