Blue Heaven at Black Ensemble Theater

The Black Ensemble Theater always provides joyful and satisfying performances with astounding talented performers.  I personally love their work and as a blues lover, this 90-minute performance of legendary blues artists is a perfect showcase of four great blues legends.

Brought to life by a cast of incredibly talented artists, the performance showcases how these greats turn their personal pain into soulful artistry.  As they await entrance to Heaven, in God’s private Blues Club, Howlin’ Wolf (Lyle Miller), Muddy Waters (Dwight Neal), Big Mama Thornton (Miciah Lathan), Stevie Ray Vaughan (Billy Rude) and B.B. King (Aaron Reese Boseman) delight you with some of the best blues tunes with Black Ensemble musicians Adam Sherrod, Oscar Brown Jr., Mark Miller and Myron Cherry.  

The performer’s wigs, and even their facial expressions, make the players resemble the musicians they portray.  Mannish Boy, Born Under a Bad Sign, Everyday I Have the Blues, There Must Be a Better World Somewhere, Pride and Joy – all the selected songs are just beautifully performed.  

They have risen!

The autobiographical dialogue helps to understand the tortured artist effect which results in pure musical magic for these iconic blues artists.  Even if you are not a typical blues fan, this show is just plain good music and phenomenal performance.  24 songs, great vocal range and guitar playing, all satisfy the soul.

Highly recommend!

Reviewed by Judy Nathan