Dear Rome:
"Just wanted to let you know what an amazing job you did with Monk. Especially capturing Monk's nuances. The playwright should be commended as well, the dialogue was very compelling. I wish you much success with this show. I didn't know you can play the piano and sing as well as you do. You are fiercely talented. Keep shinning brother. In a word that "we created" "Brother you were Bad" and that means good!!! Love ya! Peace, Blessings, Rainbows and Blues Skies"
Benja K

(Benja K received an Audelco Award last year for her work in the play American Menu, and is also a relative of Thelonious Monk)

"I loved it, I learned so much about Thelonious Monk...."
Chester Gregory

(Chester Gregory was the critically acclaimed Jackie Wilson in "The Jackie Wilson Story, My Heart Is Crying ". He is now starring in "Hairspray " on Broadway.)

"I would like to say to Rome Neal, that was a beautiful play, you really reminded me in spots of Monk, a lot. I really enjoyed myself, I wish a lot of people will go out and see you in Monk."
Dr. Barry Harris

(Dr. Barry Harris is an Internationally renowned Jazz Pianist, Composer and Teacher. Dr. Harris is the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate from Northwestern University.  He has received the Living Jazz Legacy award from the Mid-Atlantic Arts Association, and an American Jazz Masters Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. In addition, Dr. Harris has devoted his life to the advancement of Jazz. For the past several decades Dr. Harris has been an exponent of the classic Jazz style that was developed by Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Bud Powell, Thelonious Monk and Coleman Hawkins.)

Acting was superb ... it was Monk. 
- Max Roach

A beautiful play... reminded me of Monk, a lot. 
- Dr. Barry Harris

" I experienced Rome Neal play the high master Thelonious Monk. He was fabulous and took me back to the days I spent with Thelonious. Everyone should see this play and experience this great actor."   - Randy Weston

Bill Lee's music is riveting and impressive....
Neal brings the same creative intensity to Monk, as Jamie Foxx brought to his Oscar winning portrayal of Ray Charles.
.- Ron Scott, Jazz Critic

Stunning…I hope to see it Off - Broadway soon. 
- Woodie King Jr., producer/ director/ author

Undiminished boldness … first rate performance. 
- Owen McNally, Hartford Courant

Charismatic self- assurance that is spellbinding. 
- Gordon Polatnick,Greenwich Village Gazette

A Monk’s Life takes place right in front of you. 
Eric Frazier, Jazz Improv

It was another dimension of his soul in the ballet, you could imagine Paul Robeson doing a ballet… It gave a new definition to exclusive. 
- Ruby Dee, actor

A great journey through the genius of a great man I'm glad Rome shared it so beautifully with us. 
- Ossie Davis, actor / writer / director

Deserves to be on Broadway ... Brilliantly written ... Phenomenal. 
Herb Boyd - Amsterdam News

Intense sense of drama ... Hypnotic mood. - Village Voice

Rome Neal not only evoked Monk’s musical genius but sensitively portrayed his deep intelligence, the often puzzling eccentricities, and the terrible demons that haunted and tormented him.
– Herb Boyd - DownBeat 

Reviews of the DVD: "
A remarkable journey....By any standard, Rome Neal gives an amazing performance"... Bill Lee's score is great..." - John Barrett, Jazz Improv Magazine  

"Compelling viewing ..... Neal renders an engaging Thelonious Monk" - Suzanne Lorge, All About Jazz Magazine

“Rome Neal is perfect for the part ..... Jazz fans are sure to be fascinated...” - Barry Bassis, New York Resident

MONK THE PLAY AVAILABLE FOR BOOKINGS and on DVD for $20
CALL: ROME NEAL 718-288-8048 0R email Rome here