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"The Chronicles of Detroit's Hip-Hop Mayor"

Need a good laugh in the turbulent state of Michigan's economy? A low cost, high quality show is in town and I laughed gallantly last night at the wonderful home-grown performance.

Kwame a River is a funny overview of the past decade in Detroit politics, sparked by clever writing and a talented six-person cast. The show is good-natured and depicts Kilpatrick not as evil or stupid, but as a charismatic figure that continually lets his "hubris" get the best of him.

It starts out with Kilpatrick (played by Detroit native Connell Brown Jr.), arguing with an attitude-filled Spirit of Detroit: played by Amise (real name Ami McClenon). A great pick for the role. We had front row seats and her acting ability was apparent with her ability to captivate the audience with a sassy attitude. She is just not about to listen to lame excuses as she tries to get admit to his mistakes.

It plays on the "Christmas Carol" with the Spirit playing the roles of the "spirits" and everyone in the Kwame cronicles shows up including attorney general Mike Cox, his wife Carlita, and even Coleman back from the dead chanting his "don't get caught" gangster role.

Other big names include auto legend Henry Ford, WDIV-TV Local 4 anchorwoman Carmen Harlan and Gov. Jennifer Granholm.

Brown, who has appeared on TV's "House of Payne" will soon be seen in several Detroit-shot features.

"Kwame a River" was written and directed by Marc Warzecha, a former Second City Detroit member who has since moved to Los Angeles. The show is not an official Second City production, since it is not based on spontaneous comedy but almost entirely scripted.

The only spontaneous moment comes during a hugely hilarious part where the audience supplies prompts to fuel steamy text messages between Kilpatrick and his lover, former chief of staff Christine Beatty.

This show is a "must-see" in a great locale - Second City Novi. Second City moved from downtown Detroit to a space above a Novi's Andiamo's restaurant in 2005. Visit Michigan News here.

Buy your tickets online and send them WILL CALL. It's quick, easy and no line-waiting.

TICKETS to KWAME A RIVER


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Labels: Kwame a River, Novi