Let the Good Times Roll

Rick Stone the Blues Man

 

Jackie Taylor has changed up her usual formula for Black Ensemble Theater’s wonderful, toe-tapping musical revues this summer. Instead of honoring a particular era of hit songs, as in “Doo Wop Shoo Bop,” or a singular musical superstar, such as “A New Attitude,” Ms. Taylor’s recent biographical tribute to the life of Patti LaBelle, this time around Ms. Taylor has drawn upon her own personal life. Growing up in Chicago’s projects, the Taylors and the Stone families became very close. While Jackie eventually founded her own theater company, Ricky Stone, who’s appeared in several of Ms. Taylor’s productions, is known around the Windy City as “The Blues Man.” In BET’s latest musical revue tribute is being paid to an old friend.

As the audience enters the auditorium of the Black Ensemble Theater, regulars will immediately notice a difference in the stage. The venue has been transformed into a Blues Club called Rick’s Place, complete with an onstage bar and tables for patrons. Robert Reddrick’s spectacular, award-winning band is once again featured onstage to accompany the seven member cast, all of whom play themselves in this exciting show. Reddrick’s band includes Adam Sherrod on keyboard, Gary Baker on guitar and Mark Miller on bass. Together they ignite the theater with the smooth blues sounds of B.B. King, Koko Taylor, Etta James, Buddy Guy, and others.

Rick Stone is one lovably talented character. His flexible, almost rubbery body, writhes, bends and shimmies; his eyes pop out in excitement, making this charming man a truly lovable performer. He entertains with the majority of the songs, that include “Need Your Love So Bad,” “Howlin’ For My Baby,” “Please Accept My Love,” “Just Like I Treat You,” “Goin’ Down Slow” and “Just Like I Treat You.” Most of Stone’s numbers are accompanied by his trademark dancing that make the musical interludes come alive. Through Ricky Stone’s charismatic performance we come to understand why Jackie Taylor has chosen to pay tribute to this artist.

Stone is supported by several talented singers, stars in their own right. Skirt-chasing Dwight Neal delights the audience with his “19 Years Old,” the Muddy Waters hit, “Close to You,” his lament, “Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City,” and a rousing “Got My Mojo Working.” Powerhouse recording artist Theo Huff entertains with Otis Redding’s “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long,” as well as “Last Two Dollars” and his signature tunes, “Just Enuff Rope” and “Members Only.” Lamont (the Harmonica Man)Harris plays and sings “Help Me,” and Kelvin Davis serenades with “Call My Wife,” and then returns to the stage (after experiencing a post war traumatic event) with “Let the Good Times Roll.”

The show’s two favorite performers are, without doubt, the ladies. Remembered for more than 21 years of BET performances, particularly in “Black Pearl,” Rhonda Preston makes the air sizzle with her numbers. They include the hilarious “You Can Have My Husband,” a melancholy Comden and Green standard, “The Party’s Over,” and a humorous song about her favorite lottery numbers, “Three, Six, Nine Blues.” But Ms. Preston’s greatest musical moment comes in her eleventh hour rendition of the classic blues number, “Misty Blue.” It’s perfection. The other standout lady in this show is the sassy, sexy Cynthia Carter. She takes the stage to the tune of “Wang Dang Doodle,” and she establishes her cheeky independence with “Wild, Wild Woman.” Later on, Ms. Carter calls for a drink with the musical “Hey Bartender;” and she leaves no doubt about who she is with Koko Taylor’s infectious, “I’m a Woman.”

This delightful production, which runs a little long during Act II, is a change from Jackie Taylor’s usual revues. The theater invites the audience to purchase their favorite beverages and bring them into the auditorium, to help make the Blues Club experience even more authentic. All that’s missing is an invitation to join the cast on stage and dance. But theatergoers are very happy being encouraged to clap, hum and sing along with the singers. By the end of the evening, every enthusiastic patron will feel like he’s actually spent two-and-a-half hours at Ricky’s Place, enjoying the sweet crooning of some smooth, cool blues.

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas      

 

Presented July 22-August 26 by Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark, Chicago.

Tickets are available at the box office, by calling 773-769-4451 or by going to www.blackensemble.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com