The LabRats, a genre-spanning jazz quartet, are stepping beyond the stage and into the realm of musical theater with their unique project, “Who is Jef Costello?” This hip hop opera draws inspiration from the 1967 French-Italian film “Le Samouraï,” which follows the story of a hitman caught between dangerous forces. On March 21, audiences at Sac Dance Lab will witness a fresh adaptation brought to life by a talented ensemble of local rappers and dancers, including the talented Rudy Kalma as the lead character.
Drummer Jacob Swedlow has creatively harnessed a monthly stipend from the Creative Growth Fellowship to devote serious time to this project. He openly admits that balancing life as a gigging musician while developing this opera has been a challenge, but the experience of collaborating with fellow artists has been rewarding. It’s not every day you see a jazz quartet playing alongside choreographed dancers, and Swedlow’s excitement about this innovative production is infectious.
The show aims to provide a different narrative depth compared to the original film, pushing the story’s themes while still keeping its essence. With the technical challenges of synchronized music and dance performances, the LabRats promise to deliver a spectacle that blurs the lines between drama, music, and art. As they prepare for their upcoming performance, one can’t help but wonder: how will this artistic fusion resonate with fans of both jazz and hip hop? There’s a world of surprises waiting in the wings!
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
