Fan the Fire

Reasons: A Tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire

It’s early Spring and a time for rejoicing! Black Ensemble Theater is back once again, after Covid stifled the continuous production of their heavenly, highly entertaining musicals. One type of show that Jackie Taylor’s wonderful company is particularly known for and does best are biographical musical revues, like this one. Created and directed by multitalented Producing Manager Director Daryl D. Brooks, BET is currently presenting this entertaining and enlightening true story about one of the best-known African-American rock groups to have its start in Chicago. “Reasons: A Tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire” is a flashy, fireworks of a production that’s filled with love and a legacy of popular songs that’ll take audiences back the more gentle time of their youth.

Headlining this production are over two dozen of the group’s finest songs. The show opens with the infectious disco hit, “Boogie Wonderland.” Soon after, a beautifully soulful rendition of George Gershwin’s “Summertime” changes the mood and takes this production to a new level of excellence. An excellent
a cappella performance of the classic, “Goodnite, Sweetheart, Goodnite” warms the audience’s hearts. The fabulous Rhonda Preston portrays soul and gospel singer Fontella Bass, who rocks the audience with “Rescue Me.” The first act continues to “Fan the Fire,” while directing us to “Keep Your Head to the Sky,” finally delighting with “Mighty Mighty” and concluding with “Evil.” And that’s just Act I.

Act II opens with the fiery number, “Get Away.” It continues with songs that continue demonstrating Earth, Wind & Fire’s skill with Jazz, R&B, Soul, Funk, Disco, Latin and Pop. “Serpentine Fire,” the ear-worm “Fantasy,” and the group’s famous “That’s the Way of the World,” “Shining Star” and “Reasons” enchant theatergoers and keep hands clapping and toes tapping. Before the performance is over we’re treated to hits like “Best of My Love,” “Easy Lover,” “After the Love is Gone” and concludes with the ever-popular “September.”   

The show features a stellar, 11-member cast, most of whom play multiple roles, and is supported by a magnificently talented band, the like of which this theater hasn’t seen in a long time. The acting company is led by the gifted and charismatic Christian Denzel Bufford as Maurice White, the founder, percussionist and lead vocalist of Earth, Wind & Fire.The actor both narrates the artist’s life story, as well as portraying the Mature version of Mr. White. Bufford brings joy, humor, musicality and pathos to the story. He devotes much of the show detailing the relationship between Maurice White’s birth mother (played with sparkling enthusiasm by Keya Trammell), who he called “Mother Dear,”and his older, adopted caretaker, Mrs. Robinson (the always magnificent Rhonda Preston), who he simply referred to as “Mother.” Both women had tremendous impact on Maurice’s life and music.

Other gifted triple threats dazzle in this production. RJ Griffith makes his auspicious BET debut playing Young Maurice White for most of the show, becoming another brilliant ensemble member for the last third of the show. An incomparable Gregory Stewart, Jr. dazzles as Philip Bailey, the group’s shining vocalist with all the falsetto high notes, who joined Earth, Wind & Fire in 1972. Trequon Tate returns to BET to play singer Booker T; and Rashun Carter makes his debut portraying both Ramsey Lewis and Maurice White’s talented younger brother, Verdine White. A Black Ensemble favorite, Dwight Neal plays Maurice’s money-conscious stepfather, Dr. Adams, while another BET newcomer, Tommy Thurston, impresses by playing musician/vocalist Phil Collins, along with Leonard Chess and several other characters. And the ensemble is filled out by two more talented singers/dancers, Miciah Lathan and Yajaira Velez.

In a welcome return, Jackie Taylor’s Black Ensemble Theater is launching their new season with a musical revue that will lift audiences out of their seats and into the aisles. The story of Earth, Wind & Fire, the popular musical group founded by Maurice White, is detailed in this biographical musical revue. Because of its diverse musical styles, this group defies a specific label. And it’s impressive that the band has so many accolades to their credit. They can boast six Grammy’s (including a Lifetime Achievement Award), an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the NAACP Image Award, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a Kennedy Center Honor, among many others. And now, thanks to this jewel on North Clark Street, Chicago audiences can help “Fan the Fire” as they enjoy BET’s latest must-see musical production. 

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented February 25-April 30 by Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark Street, Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the BET 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.