'Goddess' is a celestial, theatrical, soul-soaring gift

My soul is still soaring from the gift I received at the Public Theater by experiencing “Goddess.”

- By LINDA ARMSTRONG

This new musical is a gift from the gods that will make your spirit and heart ascend to the heavens, in a matter of speaking. It has an extraordinary, superb book by Saheem Ali, with additional material by James Ijames. Ali also delivers perfect direction to this enticing story. The intoxicating music and lyrics are by Michael Thurber, who also does orchestration. The splendid African-themed choreography is the delightful, electric work of Darrell Grand Moultrie.

The musical, set in Mombasa, Kenya, tells the mythological origin story of Marimba, the goddess of music. The audience learns of her existence and her coming to Earth to share her love of music with humans. The musical shows how music is a deeply rooted part of who we are as people and demonstrates the power and beauty of music, song, and dance in our lives.