In her New York debut, The Jackie of All Trades, Sandrell Ross, tells the story of how she got to be where she is now. The play opens with Jackie being interviewed about her life experiences in her office. With the phone ringing and her assistant out to lunch, Jackie must pause the interview and answer her phone in a nod to her humble beginnings.
Ross is wonderful in the role of the young woman who rose past challenges to become a multi-genre entertainer. She is personable, funny, and compelling. One of the best moments is when she walks her husband through an Excel task on the phone from memory. You get the impression she’s very used to being interrupted by people in her life asking for help– and that she always delivers.
Ross treats the audience to several of her powerful spoken word pieces and songs on guitar and piano. Her poetry is her strongest medium. Ross mentions other accolades to the interviewer, including a mathematics prize, which is difficult to put into context with the rest of the action. We assume it’s meant to portray her intelligence and competence, but it’s not needed. Her spark shines through her poetry and candid monologue with the unseen interviewer. It would be wonderful to see a version of the show developed without the interview concept, where Ross delivered her powerful story through her poetry alone.
"The Jackie of All Trades"
Written and performed by Sandrell Ross
Directed by Sandrell Ross
November 18, 2022
The 13th United Solo Festival
October 4- November 20, 2022
Theatre Row
410 West 42nd (btw 9th and 10th Avenue)
STEPHANIE EAGAN is a professional writer based in NJ. A fan of every type of live performance imaginable, from taiko drumming to political performance art, she travels the tri-state area and beyond in search of music, art, theater, and excellent coffee.