Theater Review : “Matriarch: An Evening with Tina Knowles, Family and Friends" at MGM National Harbor
Tina Knowles and Michelle Obama bring elegance and melanin magic to the DMV
Tina Knowles launched her nine-city book tour, "Matriarch: An Evening with Tina Knowles, Family and Friends," on April 30 at the Theater At MGM in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Every stop on the tour will feature a different moderator, and when I found that my Forever First Lady, Mrs. Michelle Obama, was the moderator for the DMV stop, I made sure to get a ticket.
As my mother and I made our way into the venue, a line of patrons was already smiling, and the positive energy was apparent. Making our way to our balcony seats, a DJ played grown-up and sexy R&B tunes to set the mood for the evening. The show commenced at 8 p.m., with Michelle Obama gracing the stage in an elegant pantsuit after she was welcomed with a lengthy standing ovation.
The first surprise of the evening was a performance by the elegant Ledsi, who performed a powerful rendition of her new song "Blkwmn", an ode to black women worldwide. Ledisi's voice is already a gift from heaven, I've. I experienced her voice live in the past, but hearing this song and the accompanying video hit it differently.
Ms. Knowles finally made her way to the stage, and the melanin magic was apparent the moment she embraced Mrs. Obama. They invited us into their chat space, and Tina shared stories of her humble beginnings, showed archived footage, and spent time catching up.
One of the most surprising things about the evening was little talk about Tina's famous daughters or her son-in-law. I can admit that I selfishly wanted to hear recollections of her first meeting with her son-in-law; I'm glad she didn't go that route, as I am now motivated to buy her book.
The evening concluded with the ladies dancing to the song "Boots on the Ground." As I left the venue, a quote by Riitta Klint came to mind: "The female warrior knows how to fight without violence. She understands when to lower her sword and instead hold up her heart. Her shield is not a defense against others, but a shelter for all." Mrs. Knowles, your motherly shield truly shines bright.
Final Grade: A