Raising the Rafters in Song

Women of Soul (With a Tribute to the Queen) – Black Ensemble

 

It’s a woman’s world—at least for the next few months, dazzling audiences onstage at the Black Ensemble Theater. In Jackie Taylor’s sparkling new musical revue, theatergoers of all ages will rejoice in a celebration of the talent, audaciousness and courage of dozens of the groundbreaking vocalists, from the past and present, who sang with their heart and soul. This entertaining, educational and simply electrifying musical concert is guaranteed to prompt theatergoers to clap their hands, snap their fingers and even sing along, which is often encouraged by the performers. Audiences sometimes even spontaneously leap to their feet, swaying and dancing to the infectious, toe-tapping music. The show is a retrospective be-in. 

Daryl D. Brooks, the award-winning creator of Black Ensemble’s “Men of Soul,” has done it again. Not only the writer, but the talented director of this exciting piece of musical history, Mr. Brooks is assisted by skilled choreographer, Chris Carter, vocal arranger Lyle Miller and Robert Reddrick’s terrific five-member, onstage band. A beautiful, stylish scenic and lighting design, courtesy of Denise Karczewski, also features an array of projections, by Aaron Quick. And BET’s resident Renaissance man, Rueben Echoles, has designed a sweeping wardrobe of gorgeous gowns and wigs for this cast of talented ladies.

And talented they are! As astounding as the famous singers they portray, each musical artist brings her own individual strength and gift to each performance. Opening the show are BET favorites, the incomparable Rhonda Preston and the divine Cynthia F. Carter. Rhonda sets the pace with Evelyn “Champagne King’s “Shame.” Cynthia dazzles with Tina Turner’s “The Best.” Later she burns up the stage with Big Mama Thornton’s soulful version of “Hound Dog.” Then Rhonda gets the crowd stirred up with Natalie Cole’s jazz-inspired, “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love).” In the second act, Rhonda delights with Anita Baker’s “Sweet Love,” and she, Cynthia and Robin DaSilva join forces to win the battle, hands-down, between Old School/New School Music. They go up against three of the younger performers, proving that the vintage music of soul is still the best.

Jackie Taylor and her company are experts at finding sensational new talent for their musical revues. Recently enjoyed in “Beehive, the Musical,” Jayla Williams Craig easily impresses with Dionne Warwick’s mellow, “I Know I’ll Never Love This Way Again;” and she brings back the days of Disco in a medley of hits by Donna Summer (“Bad Girls,” “Hot Stuff,” “She Works Hard for the Money”). Later in the show Jayla entertains with Amy Winehouse’s “Our Day Will Come” and Denise Williams’ “Free.” Robin DaSilva breaks the sound barrier early in the show with Gladys Knight’s soft rock, “Midnight Train to Georgia.” Soon afterwards, Ms. DaSilva returns to the stage as Mahalia Jackson, overwhelming the audience with her gospel hits, “Trouble of the World” and “How I Got Over.”

Belter Colleen Perry, another exciting newcomer to the BET stage, displays her money notes as Janis Joplin, with ”Cry Baby.” Later, Ms. Perry is gorgeous as Adele, singing her signature hit, “Rolling in the Deep.” One of Black Ensemble Theater’s most talented and versatile performers, Jessica Seals, brings the house to its feet as Etta James, with her “I’d Rather Go Blind.” In Act II, Ms. Seals brings back the vocal stylings of Betty Wright, with “Tonight is the Night.” Beautiful professional singer Hannah Efsits makes her Chicago and BET debut, bringing down the house, singing Tina Marie’s “Lovergirl;” then she joins singer Dwight Neal, who winningly portrays Rick James, as they perform the hotter-than-hot duet, “Fire and Desire.”  

Returning to the Black Ensemble Theater is the exquisite Jerica Exum, with a style and a voice that must be seen and heard to be believed. Hopefully we’ll be seeing a lot more of this talented young performer. She sings from her heart and leaves it all on the stage, closing the first half of the show as the fantastic, Whitney Houston, bringing us her hit, “I Have Nothing.” In Act II, Ms. Exum enchants as Vesta Williams singing “Congratulations.” She joins Jessica and Hannah to enchant with Mary J. Blige’s “Just Fine.” And last, but certainly not least, is Ariel Williams, returning to BET, shortly after starring in Porchlight Music Theatre’s production of “Memphis.” Floating down the aisle, Ms. Williams becomes the one and only Diana Ross singing, “I’m Coming Out.” Near the end of the show, Ariel works the crowd with her astounding vocals and precise dance moves as Janet Jackson, with “Control.”

And a salute to the great Women of Soul wouldn’t be complete without a special tribute to The Queen, Aretha Franklin. Each of this magnificently accomplished cast has her moment in this medley, as they perform just a few of the unforgettable hits from the Franklin songbook. The audience jumps to their feet with tunes like, “I Say a Little Prayer,” “Think,” “A Natural Woman” and one of her most imitated songs, “Respect.” For audiences who love these singers and their signature songs, who live for soulful sound of the American Songbook, this is a must-see production that raises the rafters on the corner of Clark and Sunnyside.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas        

 

Presented October 20-January 27 by Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark Street, Chicago.

Tickets are available in person 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.