Review: Harlem Globetrotters
The Harlem Globetrotters are an exhibition basketball team which puts on a show unlike any I have seen before.
The original team formed in Chicago in the 1920s, and adopted their name from the Harlem region of New York, synonomous with the black community.
On Tuesday 2 May, the Motorpoint Arena was set up to surround a basketball court, with a few rows of chairs and stands behind.
I found with both excitement and apprehension that our seats were two rows from being courtside, and as we took them the pre-match entertainment began in the shape of Globie, the Globetrotters' mascot.
Able to bust some impressive dance moves despite being a spongey, globe-headed suit, Globie greeted some of the latecomers, cheated some children during a game of musical chairs, and performed a pretty impressive magic trick using four chairs and four teenage boys. His rapport with the exactly-as-you'd-expect ringside announcer was that of Wallace and Gromit; beautifully done.
Then on came the Globetrotters, preceded by their opposition, the Washington Generals. I think the set-up was similar to that of a wrestling match: staged, and rehearsed for dramatic / comedic effect, but with elements of improvisation. Certainly everybody but the Globetrotters were pantomime villains, the Generals' coach letting us know how much we stank.
The heroes - Bull, Cheese, Firefly, Hacksaw, Hammer, Scooter, Slick, Thunder and Big Easy - are equal parts actors, comedians, athletes and basketball experts. A few of them are permanently mic'd-up, and the banter is ongoing. The match regularly halted for all kinds of bizarre reasons - to show off tricks, burst into dance numbers, or interact with the audience.
The players were easily charismatic and great with kids, loads of whom were encouraged to join in on court, as well as the ladies sat courtside. (I guess from the dresses, hair and make-up on show that not all of the women present were that interested in basketball.) The banter with the audience was a highlight of the show, at one point Big Easy flirting with a woman on court before laughing at her boyfriend, stating "he ain't no Prince Williams" before congratulating him for over-achieving.
I can't really emphasise just how impressive their skills are, and it is easier to point you to the video above. The ball juggling and dribbling especially was crazy, with two Globetrotters able to keep the ball from their five opponents while rolling and sliding on the ground. Fast passing and moving, trick shots and piggy-backs were all employed to ensure a convincing win over the Generals (as happens every show I gather.)
One other thing I have to mention is Big G, Globie's big brother. Just look at the video above. He had all the kids present (and my girlfriend) laughing uncontrollably.
I did worry that next to American audiences the atmosphere in the arena was a bit flat, but the players seemed to enjoy it regardless, and for the most part they were able to get everybody cheering and clapping in time.
The Harlem Globetrotters put on a really unique show, which I highly recommend catching if you can. It is really good family-focused entertainment, with humour aimed at all ages, good music and comedy dancing, stunning skills and hilarious tricks. It is the first basketball match I have seen, so it seems fair to say that you don't have to be a fan to enjoy this as it is more comedy than serious sport.
www.harlemglobetrotters.com
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2 Comments – Postiwch sylw
Sam (Sub-Editor)
Rhoddwyd sylw 12 mis yn ôl - 6th May 2011 - 09:10am
starr
Rhoddwyd sylw 3 mis yn ôl - 8th February 2012 - 09:35am
cooool