Twisted Melodies
The term schizophrenia often evokes a deep-seated fear in the minds of many, and the mere mention can trigger anxiety and misunderstanding. Society still struggles to comprehend this mental health condition, with ancient times believing that those with schizophrenia were possessed by demons, cursed, or a part of witchcraft. Although the exact cause of schizophrenia remains unknown, it is considered to be associated with genetics. Today, several singers, such as Billie Eilish, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, and Lady Gaga, have openly spoken about their experiences with mental illness, but strayed away from mentioning the word schizophrenia. In the 70's, several musicians were diagnosed with schizophrenia. American folk musician Jackson C. Frank, drummer Jim Gordon, a member of Eric Clapton's band, and Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac were all diagnosed with schizophrenia. But the artist featured in this incredible production, Twisted Melodies, tells the story of Donny Hathaway, a singer-songwriter who experienced paranoid hallucinations and severe depression, which was later diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.
"Twisted Melodies" is a captivating portrayal of Donny Hathaway's life, masterfully written and performed by the exceptionally talented Kelvin Roston Jr, who invites audiences into the mind of a man whose brilliance was inseparable from his pain. I had the opportunity to witness Roston's performance of "Twisted Melodies" about a decade ago at the Congo Square Theatre at the Athenaeum Theatre (See Picture Below). However, at the time, I didn't realize he was the artist and playwright behind it. Nonetheless, I recall how moving his depiction of Hathaway was, capturing the soul and individuality of the legendary musician, while shedding light on the impact of schizophrenia. Roston is outstanding as Donny Hathaway!
Picture from "Twisted Melodies" at the Congo Square Theatre at the Athenaeum Theatre
Roston mentions in his "FROM THE PLAYWRIGHT" article, which can be seen in the program provided by Northlight, that Twisted Melodies is a labor of love, but it's more than a solo jukebox musical. He chose Hathaway as his muse for his amazing music, but mainly because he struggled with paranoid schizophrenia. The narrative of Hathaway's life centers around him in a hotel room, playing on his electric piano, talking with "his angels", the audience, about his life and mental illness. When you listen to Hathaway's music, which blended gospel and jazz, you can genuinely feel the loneliness, pain, joy, hope, and exquisite beauty twisted into his reflections on the experience of living with his illness. His songs echoed with deep emotion, revealing the struggles and triumphs that come with his journey. Hathaway faced a significant challenge when he was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in his early thirties, which brought about hallucinations and delusions, and a belief that someone was attempting to steal his thoughts and musical sound. As the impact of his illness continued to control him, it derailed his relationships with others, including a painful separation from his wife, Eulaulah. Despite these struggles, Hathaway's music, particularly his album "Extension of a Man," stands as a profound testament to his resilience and remains a powerful source of inspiration in the music world.
Roston beautifully brings out Hathaway's life and music, showcasing his struggles and the joys of being raised by his grandmother, Hatha Hathaway, who brought him up in the church, singing gospel music and forcing him to play the piano so he could master his God-given gifts. His joy in meeting the love of his life, Eulaulah Vann, whom he met at Howard University, where they were both studying music, and his two beautiful daughters, Donyll (Lalah), Kenya Canc'Libra, and Donnita, who attended the press-night performance at Northlight. You also feel the pain during Hathaway's life, where, like most people, he battled against his diagnosis and the treatment process of medicine, which features multiple pills such as Chlorpromazine, which caused side effects associated with Tardive dyskinesia. This neurological movement disorder causes involuntary, repetitive, and uncontrollable movements, particularly of the face, mouth, and tongue. He was reportedly taken up to 14 pills two to three times a day to control this disease. Sadly, Donny Edward Hathaway, an American soul singer, keyboardist, songwriter, who wrote popular songs including "The Ghetto", "This Christmas", "Someday We'll All Be Free", and his duet songs with Roberta Flack, particularly "Where Is the Love" and "The Closer I Get to You," that remain tops songs heard nationwide, — and a person that was considered a "soul legend by Rolling Stone, ended his life by suicide at the age of 33.
Artistic Director BJ Jones expresses his admiration for Kelvin Roston Jr., whom he regards as one of Chicago's great artists, and describes the narrative of Twisted Melodies as a story of thwarted genius. Director Ron OJ Parson, celebrated as one of Chicago's finest directors, shares his profound honor in contributing to the production's journey at Northlight Theatre. I jokingly asked the question to Alexis J. Roston, a talented performer who captivated audiences with her striking portrayal of Billie Holiday in the one-woman show, "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill," who is also the Associate Director in this production, "Who is the best one-person performer, you or your husband, Kelvin?" Without hesitation, she said, "Kelvin." I've always enjoyed Roston's performances, but this one-person performance was spectacular, truly showcasing his creative skills. It's a must-see, and with the current administration's cuts to mental health, it's something that Broadway should consider picking up.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Northlight Theatre
Twisted Melodies
By Kelvin Roston Jr.
Directed by Ron OJ Parson
July 10 - August 10, 2025
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