Daniel J. Watts—who is currently playing Ike Turner on Broadway —presented The Jam: Only Child at The Public Theater & Joe’s Pub on Monday, January 6.
His well-paced storytelling is reflective and creative. Inspired by his upbringing as an only child, The Jam “pays homage to Daniel Watts’ great-grandmother who, after making jam from scratch, would share with others what she was unable to consume herself.”
The Jam is a rhythmic, entertaining, “flammable,” and truly original showcase with music provided by DJ Duggz. You’ll find fun interjections of Future’s “Mask Off” at the mention of Percocet along with sounds to reinforce a setting, tunes to provide context, and striking spoken word that somehow holds a mirror to both Daniel’s world and the world around each of us.
He’s able to master a richly relatable and nostalgic script that is also heartbreaking, saving time capsules of Power Rangers, D.A.R.E., and Captain Planet to name a few, as he recalls therapy sessions, moments as a latchkey kid, and growing up in a single-parent household.
“It might be sweet,” Watts explained, “it could get sticky, but we’re still going to enjoy it just the same.”
The Public Theater
The exposition includes expressions of past relationships, paired with an honest response to him coming of age and understanding “sex effects.” In one moment we’re taking a ride of thrills and new discoveries with Daniel until the next where we’re invested in his high school wrestling, up until the events turn for the worse. These scenes are accompanied by tap dancing and an increase in speed gathering at a sudden stillness in the room.
The set is delivered with the theatrical heaviness you’d expect from the seasoned Hamilton, Motown The Musical, and The Last O.G. actor.
For information on the upcoming show dates (January 10, 12, and 20) and tickets, click here.
