‘CrazySexyCool – The TLC Musical’captures the audience’s attention within the first five minutes with a high-energy rendition of “What About Your Friends,” undeniably cool hip-hop dancing, and colorful costumes that make it impossible to look away.
Choreographed by Chloe O. Davis and brought to life by its insanely talented cast, the show bursts onto the stage like a colorful time capsule from the era of baggy jeans, here to remind everyone why TLC was one of the most successful girl groups to ever exist.
Adding to the excitement, TLC icons Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas attended the musical’s opening night. Later, the pair joined the cast among a roar of applause. “It’s so weird sitting and listening and watching yourself…but you guys did a great job,” Thomas said. Holli’ Gabrielle Conway (playing T-Boz), Jade Milan (playing Left Eye), and Stoney B. Woods (playing Chilli) stood next to her, beaming, with bouquets in hand. Indeed, Thomas’ praise of the trio was no exaggeration. As soon as Conway began singing, I was struck by how closely she’d been able to imitate Watkins’ timbre that became such a recognizable element of the group’s sound.
Stoney B. Woods (Rozonda ‘Chilli’ Thomas), Jade Milan (Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes), Holli’ Gabrielle Conway (Tionne ‘T-Boz’ Watkins), and the company of CrazySexyCool –The TLC Musical. Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater running June 12 – August 9, 2026. Photo by Julieta Cervantes.
Of course, the group’s leading ladies weren’t the only ones to make an appearance in The TLC Musical. By the third musical number, the show introduces MC Hammer, played by Christopher Henry Young, via a dance-off. There, the number blended “Ain’t 2 Proud 2 Beg” and “U Can’t Touch This” with costumes featuring the unmistakable hammer pants from that era. Meanwhile, the musical depicts a few of the trio’s love interests as various fictional characters throughout the show. As a result, pseudonyms made for a fun “who’s who” aspect of the performance as you guessed which celebrities each character portrayed.
Holli’ Gabrielle Conway (Tionne ‘T-Boz’ Watkins), Jade Milan (Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes), and Stoney B. Woods (Rozonda ‘Chilli’ Thomas) in CrazySexyCool – The TLC Musical. Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater running June 12 – August 9, 2026. Photo by Julieta Cervante
Just as impressive as the singing and dancing was how the musical blended the more serious parts of the group’s personal and professional lives with comedy and fun. The audience was taken on a roller coaster from the group’s experience first being discovered in trendy overalls and oversized hats to the car crash that took Left Eye’s life, staged with the reverence and respect that the moment deserved. You could feel the energy shift dramatically throughout the performance. The room went from a crowd of laughs to the kind of silence where you can hear a pin drop. Along the way, the show also offered an opportunity to sing along to lyrics everyone knows by heart.
Finally, Philippe Chow, the official restaurant of Arena Stage, catered the night’s after party. The restaurant served a selection of satay, spring rolls, and fried rice. Overall, CrazySexyCool – The TLC Musical is a must-see show if you have the opportunity.
