Recorded in Hollywood Reviews
Broadway World- Recommended
"...Recorded in Hollywood really moves musically through the period of rock and roll in its formative years, when black artists like Sam Cooke (Thomas Hobson) were starting to take off and white artists in the field were of a paltry number. Whites could not legally mix with blacks, so when whites started to infiltrate John Dolphin's record shop, police shut them down many times, claiming the blacks were having an indecent effect on the white teens. John Dolphin was no saint, to be sure."
LA Splash- Highly Recommended
"...Bruce Goodrich's scenic design keeps the focus on the music - and, after all, that's the point, isn't it? Mylette Nora's costumes and Aishah Williams' hair and wigs memorialize the era to perfection. Lap Chi Chu's lighting and the sounds of Diablo Sound add to the energy and fun, as does Cassie Crump's choreography. And last but certainly not least is Abdul Hamid Royal's music direction and the sensational efforts of his band members. To the last note of the production, RECORDED IN HOLLYWOOD is a tour de force and a must-see musical."
Stage Scene LA- Highly Recommended
"...Last year's 99-seat World Premiere musical smash Recorded In Hollywood has returned big time as a Kirk Douglas Theatre guest production in a much retooled upscale transfer that promises even greater things ahead for the crowd-pleasing, get-up-and-dance Memphis/Motown-style tribute to 1950s/60s African-American R&B groundbreaker John Dolphin."
Hollywood Progressive- Recommended
"...As this two-acter shows, John Dolphin was an imperfect person, but one who deserves to be remembered, which this plays does so well. Recorded in Hollywood sets the record straight and highlights the crusading role Leon Washington (Frank Lawson), founding publisher of the L.A. Sentinel. Shedding light on an important but largely forgotten part of Rock and L.A. history, it will get your tootsies bopping and thoughts a-popping."
Stage Raw- Recommended
"...This high-spirited biopic of musical entrepreneur John Dolphin (Stu James) is part juke-box musical, part music history, and part a recreation of past performers and their hits. For those of us old enough to remember the songs and events, it's a trip down memory lane."
Tin Pan LA- Recommended
"...Recorded in Hollywood is making tremendous strides in its developmental process and with experts like producer Lou Spisto on its side, there's no doubt that the piece will find its groove as a contemporary musical theater work. Until then, Recorded still offers a spectacular evening of song and dance that stands as a reverent tribute to the legendary record label owner and music producer John Dolphin."
Peoples World- Highly Recommended
"...I simply cannot accept that Recorded in Hollywood might close on August 7th and never be heard from again. It has Broadway lights twinkling all over it. Could be the next Dreamgirls. See it in L.A. See it now."