Expressive entertainment!
By Laura Andrews
March 7, 2006
Jacqueline Hankins does it again! With the motto:
"remarkably distinctive", Ms. Hankins, almost literally with
stilettos in toe, has resiliently elbowed her way into the
exclusive old boy terrain of entertainment. That is: enjoying a
musical and dining.
Of course it is insignificant (atleast at this point to Ms.
Hankins), that she has not quite secured a spot on Broadway
with her engaging, riveting and politically-bristling folk operas
bearing the nomenclature of hip-hopmusical mysteries.
Yet, her foray into this self-created brand of writing began
in June 2002 with her production of "Murder At The Church".
The second installment to this series was "Cooking the Books:
A Recipe for Murder". This timely tell-all, blowing-the-whistle-
on-white-collar-crime musical was wonderfully framed with a
burst of insider-trading schemes that tapped into Wall Street's
high-brow snafus.
Additionally with this show, Ms. Hankins, a multitalented entertainer of 30 years, showcased her multidimensional talents.
With "Cooking The Books" she drew on her gift as a composer, videographer, music director and film editor to make this
dream-come-true film theater idea manifest.
Meanwhile, the spiffy audience-participation-oriented product landed the musical a home at The Playwright Tavern &
Restaurant, located at 732 Eighth Ave; between 45 and 46th Sts. in Manhattan.
Ms. Hankins, an accomplished pianist, singer, actress and dancer, has devoted considerable time performing abroad.
With two self-produced albums: "Christmas Joy!" and "Let's Dance to Blues, Swing and Latin Music" and the opening of her
musical, "Weapon Most Unusual" last year at The Playwright Tavern and Restaurant, Ms. Hankins can only agree that she is on
her way to accomplishing her goals.
While composing subject matter that melds two unlikely topics: hip-hop and folklore, Ms. Hankins' innovative musical play
places her at the forefront of hip-hop moguls. Still, unloading a one-time unusual musical series is not the only blip of
blissfulness Ms. Hankins is interested in achieving.
For instance, her latest adventure, "The Entertainment XPress", staged at The Playwright Tavern & Restaurant, is another step
towards giving this thriving producer the much-needed buzz in theater, television and film circles she desires.
"The Entertainment XPress" is the ideal musical treat for those interested in taking a gamble on a night of entertainment or
those planning in advance for a Monday evening of drinks, dinner and savoring live entertainment.
Whether you're wearing designer-faded jeans or semi-formal attire, the third-floor accommodation at The Playwright Tavern is
designed with no dress code in mind.
As guests dine in this intimate setting with brick walls decorated with large, framed photographs of pop stars, "The
Entertainment XPress" (Jacqueline Hankins, Lance Phillips, Margaret Wheeler, and Ann Estill) does not miss a beat in
serenading the house.
Whether a couple is seated near the room's built-in fireplace or at a jam-packed table with guests, each of the four entertainers
is capable of making you feel as if you're special, and that each song is intended for you.
With the backdrop of a terrace exhibiting a breathtaking scenic view of New York City's finest landmarks, either as a group or as
individual members, "The Entertainment XPress" ensemble is profoundly overwhelming as they unveil a repertoire of
heavy-hitting songs which span jazz to opera.
Ms. Hankins and her trio manage to dish out a hefty and nourishing meal of entertainment comprised of dances, skits and
songs for every generation.
Attention to detail is essential for the indefatigable Ms. Hankins, who employs an enormously-inventive and jaw-dropping
nearly one-hour-array of continuously-flowing acts. Highlights of the show include Ms. Hankins' spellbinding renditions of "It
Don't Mean A Thing", Margaret Wheeler peacefully gliding through the song "Kids", Ann Estill singing in perfect form: "'Till There
Was You" and Lance Phillips' virtuosity beaming forth from the first note of "If I were A Rich Man".
"The Entertainment XPress" is performed only on Mondays at 7:00 p.m. at The Playwright Tavern and Restaurant at 732 Eighth
Ave. in New York City.
For reservations, call (212)246-4908.
Film Clip
Jacqueline Hankins
Lance Phillips
Show Specifications
Reviews
