“Women Of Soul”

★★★★★I always look forward to attending the productions at Black Ensemble Theater because I know I will leave the building filled with memories and music, and most importantly, a smile on my face. The production that will take us thru the Holiday Season, into late January is called “Women of Soul” (with a tribute to the Queen, Aretha Franklin), but might as well be called, “Women of Soul” A celebration of women with a special tribute to Aretha Franklin. A very long title, but in reality, what this talented troupe is bringing to Chicago. As usual, they do so with talent that rocks Clark Street.

The book, written by Daryl D. Brooks, who also directed this production is a sort of history lesson on the women of soul and their music. For many, they believe that “soul” means African-American performers, but it is the music that comes from the heart and soul when performing that takes it to a special level, and the women that are brought to us in this story range from Mahalia Jackson (newcomer Robin DaSilva will knock your sox off) to Janis Joplin ( (Colleen Perry, another newcomer) and a great many wonderful singers in between, we are brought the stories and the music of the times; “Midnight Train To Georgia”, “I’ll Never Love This Way Again”, “Hound Dog”, “This Will Be ( An Everlasting Love)”, “I Have Nothing” and this is just in the first act, along with a Donna Summer Medley.

In the second act we get more great music and memories of Whitney Houston, Mavis Staples, Jill Scott, Natalie Cole, Etta James, Anita Baker, Diana Ross, Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick, Patti LaBelle and of course a major tribute to the one and only Aretha Franklin. The show is two hours and twenty minutes with an intermission, but goes by quickly. You will find yourself wanting even more. A treasure of music done by a marvelous cast of female singers and one man, Dwight Neal who is there to help tell these stories long with some marvelous projections of photos from the ladies we are honoring(Aaron Quick).

The choreography for the evening is done by Chris Carter and the amazing costumes and wigs by Ruben D. Echoles , who once again shows us his many talents. He can do it all! The ladies of the production, Rhonda Preston, Cynthia F.Carter ( who serve as our hostesses), Ariel Williams, Jayla Williams Craig, Jerica Exum, Jessica Seals and Hannah Efists truly rock the building at 4450 N. Clark Street ( at Sunnyside). Powerful music with a diverse cast of talented women leading the way to celebrate women- Period! Great work and for me, a great trip down memory lane!

As always, the music is directed by  Director/arranger Robert Reddrick (drums), Adam Sherod (keyboards), Dolpha Fowler, Jr. ( second keyboard), Mark Miller (bass) and Gary Baker (guitar)- they rock! David Samba handles the sound so that we hear every glorious note these ladies sing.

This vibrant work will continue thru January 27th with performances as follows:

Thursdays  7: 30 p.m.

Fridays  8 p.m.

Saturdays  3 and 8 p.m.

Sundays  3 p.m.

Tickets range from $55-$65 and can be purchased at the box office, by calling 773-769-4451 or online at www.blackensemble.org

The Black Ensemble Theater is located at 4450 N. Clark Street and for those who enjoy enclosed parking, they offer valet parking INDOORS ( so the weather will never harm you). There is street parking in the area as well, but read the signs. Meters are not on Sundays.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Women of Soul”