A Musical Trip Back in Time

Hitt Records

Daryl D. Brooks, the wonderful Black Ensemble Theater’s multitalented Producing Managing Director, has written a number of musicals for the company. Some have been okay, some very good and some, like his currently running musical revue, are superb. Also Directed by Mr. Brooks, his new show is entitled HITT RECORDS, and is both an educational and nostalgic musical trip back in time. 

The revue is set in a fictional Chicago vintage record shop, not the actual store by that name located in Columbia, Missouri. The premise for Brooks’ clever production is a typical day in this emporium of gently-used classic pop-rock records, cassettes and compact discs. The shop is owned by two song-savvy siblings: Vincent  Jordan plays James Hitt and Dennis Dent is his brother Charles. These two talented actors will be familiar to regular BET theatergoers. In addition to being skilled comedians the two actors have great chemistry together. The brothers have employed a young man named Vincent (newcomer Destin Warner) to help out in the shop. He’s the brothers’ Generation Z nephew who’s not particularly keen on working but often tries the men’s patience. Of course, Vincent is naive about the past and oblivious to the variety of excellent music that existed before the 21st century. So James and Charles spend the next two hours enlightening their nephew… and the audience, as well.

Denise Karczewski, BET’s talented Set and Lighting Designer, returns displaying some top-notch creativity. The majority of the play takes place in the Hitt Record Shop, with shelves and racks stuffed full of volumes of vintage LP’s, tapes and CD’s. But a surprise turntable revolves that showcases the various musical talent. In addition to playing shop customers, the nine talented triple-threats portray many world-famous singers and musicians who are showcased in this production. The Set is also enhanced by DJ Douglass’ mind-blowing Projections that appear in the windows of the shop.  

Much credit for the success of this production goes to Musical Director Robert Reddrick. However, the nine-member onstage band is conducted by Oscar Brown, Jr. Gifted Choreographer Christopher Carter’s athletic and period-perfect movement and dance steps truly inject this show with the perfect amount of festivity and fun. Add to this an attention to detail by the artistic team of Costume Designer Evelyn Danner and Wig Designer Keith Ryan. Together they magically transform the ensemble into the familiar musical stars of the 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s.

The show opens with an energetic performance by Lyle Miller as Chuck Jackson, crooning “Any Day Now.” Mr. Miller returns in a duet with the electricfying Dwight Neal with their “Hold On I’m Coming,” by famed songsters Sam and Dave. Lyle closes Act I with Wilson Pickett’s rousing “Land of 1,000 Dances,” while in the Act II Final Concert montage, Mr. Miller delights again as Wilson Pickett with “Midnight Hour.” Newcomer Michael Lunder is charming as Phil Collins, bringing back old memories with “In the Air Tonight.” In Act II the lithe Mr. Lunder leads the Bee Gees with “Staying Alive” and Hall & Oats with “Rich Girl.” Hopefully we’ll see more of Michael Lunder in the future.

In addition to joining his cast mates for several well-known group numbers, such as the Temptations “Treat Her Like a Lady,” the super talented Dwight Neal takes the stage solo with “When a Man Loves a Woman” and “Mighty Real.” DeVaughn Loman dazzles the audience as Bob Marley with a medley that includes “War,” “Get Up, Stand Up” and “No Woman No Cry.” In the second act, Mr. Loman becomes more mellow as Bobby Womack and his “If You Think You’re Lonely Now.” Trequon Tate and Jaitee Thomas team up for “Stomp,” by the Brothers Johnson; and later they become two of the three members (along with Britt Edwards) of Shalamar for “Dancing in the Sheets.”

But one of the highlights of this production are the three lovely ladies who grace the stage portraying a variety of famous performers. The always incredible Rhonda Preston impresses as Evelyn Champagne King with her hit song, “Shame.” Another gifted lady in this production, the effervescent Britt Edwards fills the stage as the Queen of Disco, Donna Summer, singing both her sexy “Love to Love You Baby” and the bouncy club hit “Last Dance.” And the divinely talented Qiana McNary leaves the audience in awe with “To Be Real” and “I Will Survive.” But when this trio of talented songstresses team up for numbers like Sister Sledge’s “We Are Family” and the Pointer Sisters’ “Jump” and “I’m So Excited,” the entire theatre absolutely rocks off its foundation.

Daryl Brooks’ latest production is a potpourri of fun. It’s filled with plenty of joy, excitement and a lot of little-known facts about some of the 20th century’s best musical soloists and vocal groups. Brooks has cast this production with the finest actor/singer/dancers in Chicago. While a few of the gifted cast members who bring this delightful revue to life are brand new to the Black Ensemble Theatre, many of the other performers are familiar fan favorites. In so many ways, BET’s latest offering is filled with nostalgic memories and is a much welcome musical trip back in time.           

Highly Recommended

Presented December 21-January 26 by Black Ensemble Theater at the BET Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark St., 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.