Suzan-Lori Parks’ THE TUNE UP

The Tune Up! Is a new performance series created by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks and directed by Bessie Award-winning Executive Artistic Director of The Flea Theater Niegel Smith, that centers SLP & The Joyful Noise in a feature-length variety show that blends short plays, original music, and high-voltage performance centering around themes that unite us in our shared humanity. Each episode anchors around a theme meant to unite us in our shared humanity. Microplays, musical interludes and raw, in-the-moment reflections move between original music with powerful lyrics in a variety-show format that invites the audience into an evolving ritual of artistic and personal renewal. This is a sip-your-drinks, make-new-friends, dance-in-the-aisles kind of evening that traffics in big sounds and bold ideas, booty-shaking, and statement-making.

UPCOMING

THE TUNE UP is now in residence @ Lincoln Center!

Season 1, Episode 4: LOVE REVOLUTION 

February 5th, 2026 @ 7:30pm / (FREE performance!)

David Rubinstein Atrium 

1887 Broadway NY, NY 10023

PAST PERFORMANCES

THE TUNE UP

Season 1, Episode 3: A Joyful Noise for the Holidays

November 6, 2025 @ 7:30pm 

David Rubinstein Atrium 

1887 Broadway NY, NY 10023

Directed by Niegel Smith

Featuring Suzan-Lori Parks, Leland Fowler, Orville Mendoza, Kenita Miller, Niegel Smith, SLP & the Joyful Noise and special musical guest Lillias White

Watch the live-streamed recording here.

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THE TUNE UP

Season 1, Episode 2: A punk-couture medicine show for the people

July 30 - August 3rd @ 8:30pm 

Little Island NYC

Directed by Niegel Smith

Featuring Suzan-Lori Parks, Leland Fowler, Danyel Fulton, Rona Figueroa, Lance Coadie Williams, SLP & the Joyful Noise and special guests Ayodele Casel, Lillias White, Nona Hendryx  

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THE TUNE UP

Season 1, Episode 1: Juneteenth

June 14, 2025 @ 7:30pm 

Directed by Niegel Smith

Featuring Suzan-Lori Parks, Leland Fowler, Danyel Fulton, Rona Figueroa, Niegel Smith, and SLP & the Joyful Noise