Mexodus Reviews

Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended

"..."Mexodus" has more of a social agenda than those titles, of course. But, therein, it feels like it has found its moment as it tacitly argues for a Black and Latino partnership in order to redefine an emerging future of a re-awakening America. I could imagine this piece being taken up by rising progressive politicians and, not unlike how "Hamilton" (one of its clear influences) essentially cemented itself as the official show of the Barack Obama administration, becoming that for a new generation of ascendent leaders."

Chicago Sun Times - Recommended

"...Now at Studebaker Theater until Nov. 21, "Mexodus" is, in essence, a hip-hop musical based on Mexican and American history, with a portmanteau name to match its blended approach. The title combines "Mexico" and "Exodus," referring to a little-known historical episode in which slaves in the American South escaped not north through the Underground Railroad to the American North, but south to free Mexico."

Buzz Center Stage - Highly Recommended

"...What is Mexodus? Part concert, part theatrical journey, and part history lesson, it explores a rarely told chapter of the Underground Railroad in which enslaved Black Americans sought freedom not in the North, but across the Mexican border. Following Mexico's abolition of slavery in 1829, enslaved Black Americans fleeing bondage in Texas found a path to freedom across the southern frontier, though the trek remained perilous and uncertain. Created and performed by Chicago native Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson, Mexodus combines innovative live-looping, movement, and storytelling under the direction of David Mendizabal and choreography by Tony Thomas. Now playing at Chicago's historic Studebaker Theater, the production offers a fresh and compelling perspective on a little-known chapter of American history."

The Fourth Walsh - Highly Recommended

"...The storytelling is unique! It's a mash-up of audio and visual, instruments and movement, humor and drama, and education and entertainment. Director David Mendizabal and Choreographer Tony Thomas orchestrate the twosome in weaving the tale. Quijada and Robinson start out playfully interacting with the audience. They explain the process of recording their mixes. They will pluck a cello, strum a guitar, or blow a horn then play it back with other layered sounds. The talented guys not only play multiple instruments, they sing, dance, and captivate."

Third Coast Review - Highly Recommended

"...Mexodus came home to Chicago last weekend. The concept-album-turned-hip-hop-musical was workshopped here before going on to win more than a dozen awards for its runs in other cities. It is about time the people of Chicago got to see it! Performers Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson knew that. Before singing a single note, they thanked everyone who made the show possible and extended a "radical welcome" to the audience, inviting us to shout, clap, and dance along. They didn't have to tell us twice."