Singing God’s Music

Mahalia Jackson: Moving Thru the Light – Black Ensemble Theater

Jackie Taylor has plied her many talents by writing and directing another passionate, inspirational tribute to one of America’s greatest African American singers. In this musical revue, just in time to herald the much-welcome coming of Spring and the Easter and Passover holidays, the divine Ms. Taylor paints a stirring portrait of the Queen of Gospel, Mahalia Jackson. As with previous productions at the Black Ensemble Theatre, this show injects factual material from the singer’s life, that detail the highlights and low points of Ms. Jackson’s long career, into a concert of the singer’s greatest hits. During her six decades as an international singer renown, a successful recording artist and a civil rights activist, Harry Belafonte called her “the single most powerful black woman in the United States.” Mahalia Jackson recorded over 30 record albums and a dozen of her singles became million dollar sellers.

Someone once asked Mahalia Jackson why she chose to sing Gospel music. She modestly replied, “I sing God’s music because it makes me feel free.” She went on to say, “With the blues, when you finish, you still have the blues. Gospel gives me hope.” Ms. Jackson’s music was and continues to be a regular feature on Gospel and Christian radio stations. In addition to her career as a singer, Mahalia Jackson mentored such soul singing luminaries as Aretha Franklin, and is said to have discovered a talented, young Della Reese. The Grammy Award-winning singer was also friends with prolific Gospel composer, Doris Akers, as well as with Chicago based Gospel singer, Albertina Walker, and with Civil Rights Leader, Martin Luther King Jr. 

When Mahalia Jackson passed away in 1972 in Chicago, tributes were paid at her Windy City funeral by many dignitaries. Mayor Richard J.Daley spoke and Coretta Scott King eulogized Mahalia Jackson as “a friend—proud, black and beautiful.” Sammy Davis Jr. and Ella Fitzgerald paid their respects and Aretha Franklin closed the service, as a tribute to her talented and generous mentor, with her own rendition of “Precious Lord, Take My Hand.” At a simultaneous memorial service in New Orleans, Dick Gregory praised Ms. Jackson’s success, due to her tough “moral force,” and Lou Rawls sang “Just a Closer Walk with Thee.”

In Jackie Taylor’s musical tribute, Mahalia Jackson has passed away and is entering the Afterlife. There, seated upon thrones, are three ethereal characters who call themselves the Masters. Although this isn’t heaven, it’s a kind of waiting room before entering the House of the Lord. The three celestial teachers attempt to lead Mahalia through her personal recollections about her life. From various memories of family, friends and others who have influenced Ms. Jackson, the great Gospel singer is guided and helped to move through the light.
The show is at its best when the exquisite Equity actress and singer, Robin DaSilva, is given the stage to sing. She raises her voice in more than a dozen of Mahalia Jackson’s greatest Gospel hits. Ms. DaSilva’s rich, deeply moving and professionally trained contralto makes the rafters ring. She opens with “How Great Thou Art,” followed by “Come On Children, Let’s Sing,” the heartbreaking “His Eye is on the Sparrow” and “Precious Lord, Take My Hand.” One of the highlights of this revue is Robin’s resounding version of the Rodgers & Hammerstein Broadway classic, “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” As Mahalia Jackson, Ms. DaSilva closes the first act with a dynamic version of “Just a Closer Walk with Thee.”

Act II includes Mahalia’s response to Martin Luther King Jr., “If We Ever Needed the Lord Before.” The singer electrifies with “Lord, Don’t Move the Mountain,” a hand-clapping “Down By the Riverside,” the touching “I Believe” and, with the ensemble, “Sing Allelu.” The show closes with a toe-tapping “When the Saints Go Marching In,” as Mahalia learns from the Masters that she’s finally achieved her desired heavenly status, for which she’s been yearning.

The Masters are terrific singers, as well. Stewart Romeo, Dwight Neal and, especially, Cynthia F. Carter sing original songs by Jackie Taylor, including “You Are Not in Heaven” and “Listen.” They also provide backup for many of the other numbers. The six Guardians, who make up the melodic heavenly ensemble, while also playing supporting characters from Ms. Jackson’s life, include Clara Flaherty, Brandon Lavell, Lorriane Lewis, Colleen Perry, Rose Marie Simmons and Levi Stewart. This production is a religious experience in every way, musically supported by Robert Reddrick’s musical direction and his five-member combo accompaniment. The show raises a joyful noise by saluting the musical gifts of Ms. Mahalia Jackson. This entirely new production is, without any question, simply heavenly.

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas  

Presented March 2-April 14 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.