Unstoppable Girl Power and Talent

Women of Soul With a Special Tribute to Aretha Franklin – Mercury Theater

You probably think it’s electricity, but there’s actually so much Girl Power and unstoppable musical talent and energy on the stage, it’s lighting the marquee above the Mercury Theater. For the next several weeks, this company of eight dazzling divas, along with one gifted guy, are taking their audiences on a melodic trip down memory lane. The songs never stop and the portrayals of these famous soulful women are incredibly accurate and magical. 

Daryl D. Brooks’, who first created this tuneful revue for the Black Ensemble Theater, revisits his powerhouse musical, staging it all over Angela Weber Miller’s classically influenced, two-tiered scenic design. Brooks is assisted by Christopher Chase Carter, with his energy-charged choreography, along with Robert Reddrick’s glorious musical direction and the accompaniment by his talented four-member, backstage band. This production is not only highly entertaining but it’s a loving tribute to all those special ladies who’ve made our lives a little better, whenever they sang.

In Mr. Brooks’ sparkling musical revue, theatergoers of all ages will rejoice in his celebration of all the talent, audaciousness and courage found in so many groundbreaking vocalists, from both the past and present. These are women who sang with their heart and soul. This entertaining, educational and electrifying musical concert encourages theatergoers to clap their hands, snap their fingers and even sing along. Some audience members even spontaneously jump to their feet during some of the songs, swaying and dancing to the infectious, toe-tapping tunes. The show is a retrospective of all that makes us happy.

Ms Miller’s stylish scenic design is illuminated by Denise Karczewski excellent lighting. The production also features some glorious projections by that genius of electronics,  Max Maxin IV. Gifted theatre artist Rueben Echoles once again demonstrates why he’s been called Chicago’s Renaissance Man, creating an endless wardrobe of sparkling and colorful gowns and an array of period-perfect wigs.

The talent is as jaw-dropping and astounding as the famous singers they portray. Each musical artist brings her own individual strength and gift to each performance. Opening the show are the incomparable Rhonda Preston and the divine Cynthia F. Carter. Ms Preston sets the show’s pace with Gladys Knight’s “Midnight Train to Georgia, and then soothes the soul with Evelyn “Champagne” King’s “Shame.” Later in the first act she stirs up the audience with her spot-on portrayal of Natalie Cole’s “This Will Be (And Everlasting Love).” Cynthia dazzles with Tina Turner’s “Simply the Best.” Later she burns up the stage with Big Mama Thornton’s soulful version of “Hound Dog.” In Act II, 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 a couple of the younger performers, proving that the vintage music of soul is still the best.

Jessica Brooke Seals easily impresses with Dionne Warwick’s mellow, “I Know I’ll Never Love This Way Again;” later she charms the crowd with Etta James’ “I’d Rather Go Blind.” Robin DaSilva breaks the sound barrier early in the show as Mahalia Jackson, overwhelming the audience with her gospel hits, “Trouble of the World” and “How I Got Over.” Aeriel Williams brings back the days of Disco in a medley of hits by Donna Summer (“Bad Girls,” “Dim All the Lights,” “Hot Stuff,” “She Works Hard for the Money”). Later in the show she transforms into Diana Ross, entertaining us with “I’m Coming Out.” Talented Ms Hannah Efsits brings down the house as both Amy Winehouse, singing “Valarie,” and as Teena Maria with “Lovergirl.” Later she pairs with Dwight Neal, as Rick James, for their hot duet, “Fire and Desire.” And Jerica Exum closes the act with a flourish, singing “I Have Nothing,” by Whitney Houston.

Belter Colleen Perry, another excitingly talented young performer, displays her money notes as Janis Joplin, singing ”Piece of My Heart.” Later, she’s gorgeous as Adele, offering her signature hit, “Rolling in the Deep.” Ms. Seals returns to the stage to bring back the vocal stylings of Betty Wright, with “Tonight is the Night.”The exquisite Jerica Exum enchants as Mariah Carey singing “Emotions” and “Fantasy.” Then she joins Aeriel and Hannah to bedazzle us with Mary J. Blige’s “Just Fine.” Finally, Aeriel Williams works the crowd with her astounding vocals and precise dance moves, as Janet Jackson, with “Control.”

The production concludes with a tribute to Aretha Franklin, which alone is worth price of admission. Each of these magnificently accomplished performers has her own moment in the spotlight, as they perform just a few of the many unforgettable hits from the Queen’s own songbook. The audience jumps to their feet with tunes like, “Ain’t No Way,” “Think,” “I Ain’t Never Loved a Man,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” “Chain of Fools,” “I Knew You Were Waiting,” “A Natural Woman” and her signature anthem to the admiration we all deserve, “Respect.” 

Audiences who love these songs, and the singers who made them popular, from both the past and present, will relish this scintillating, two-hour musical revue. Anyone who enjoys the soulful sounds of the American Songbook, beautifully directed and exquisitely performed by a stellar company of singers and dancers, costumed like a hot Las Vegas nightclub act, this is a must-see production. It’s guaranteed to put a smile on your lips and a melody in your heart, as it raises the temperature and melts the snow along Southport Avenue.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas        

Presented January 28-March 6 by Mercury Theater Chicago, 3745 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by going to www.MercuryTheaterChicago.com.

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