“Women of Soul” reviewed by Julia W. Rath

 Highly Recommended! ***** Looking for something sizzling hot on a cold winter’s night? “Women of Soul” will have you clapping your hands, stomping your feet, snapping your fingers, and rocking in your seats in a one-of-a-kind performance that stirs us with songs that come to everybody’s lips. This revue of ninety decades of female black artists features songs from some of the most influential vocalists in the twentieth century. We listen to the likes of Donna Summer, Tina Turner, Diana Ross, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Anita Baker, Dionne Warwick, Whitney Houston—and the names go on and on!

Inspired by these powerful voices, nine artists take the stage, consisting of Cynthia F. Carter, Robyn K. DaSilva, Hannah Efsits, Jerica Exum, Colleen Perry, Rhonda Preston, Jessica Brook Seals, and Aeriel Williams, plus Dwight Neal (the male foil, if you will). Interspersed among the numbers, like “Midnight Train to Georgia”, “Hound Dog”, “Respect”, “I’m Coming Out”, and many others, are short vignettes and introductions that tell stories about each of these women’s lives, both their triumphs and their tragedies. This fabulous show is a cross between listening to torch singers, watching impersonators of famous vocalists, and learning more about a familiar genre of music. If you love the first act, the second is even more spectacular when it culminates in a tribute to Aretha Franklin, otherwise known as the “Queen of Soul.” The winner of eighteen Grammy awards, Aretha epitomized the merging of gospel music and soul music, together with her own special touches. The various artists’ imitations of her and her repertoire cannot be beat!

Written and directed by Daryl D. Brooks, with music direction by Robert Reddrick, this marvelous production originally premiered at Chicago’s Black Ensemble Theater in 2018. Brooks’s impactful narrative not only highlights the black experience in America from a female perspective, but also the female experience in the recording industry, including that of several white women inspired by soul music. Reddrick plays multiple roles too: as musical director, conductor, and percussionist. The remaining musicians consist of Oscar Brown, Jr. (guitar), Mark Miller (bass), and Adam J. Sherrod (keyboard).

It is the music, of course, that ties the entire performance together and essentially backs the singers, who are all magnificent and vibrant. Their entire wardrobe is equally dazzling, ranging from vintage clothing to gorgeous modern ballgowns and sexy, shimmering outfits. The wigs are especially fantastic, thanks to Rueben D. Echoles, the costume and wig designer, who, among other things, mimicked many of the hairstyles of the original artists. His work begs how quickly the hair, makeup, and costume changes are achieved. We are guided through the numerous and sundry tributes to these original artists by watching projections of their names together with their photographs and record labels. This is the purview of video designer G. “Max” Maxin IV, who does a superior job! Choreographer Christopher Chase Carter provides for the smooth movement of characters on and off the various levels of the stage, so that the array of entertainers, songs, and stories flows nicely. Scenic design by Angela Weber Miller is relatively simple but well-suited to the production. Of particular note is how well various lights have been integrated within the set itself. Thanks to lighting designer Denise Karczewski, the lighting effects are extraordinary, with all sorts of strategies used to distinguish the story of one woman from the next. Sound design and sound engineering by Carl Wahlstrom cannot be any better, although one might want to wear a pair of earplugs.

Above all, “Women of Soul” is a musical happening filled with dynamic energy that will snap you out of the Chicago winter funk. Featuring songs that embody the connection between the African-American spiritual, the blues, R. & B., and rock and roll, this powerful stage rendition illustrates the collective inspiration for what we now call popular music. It not only pays homage to these iconic female vocalists but teaches us about the struggles and challenges that each of them had to endure in order to make a name for herself. The stirring voices, velvety music, glitz, and glamor will have you leaving the theater joyful, if not also humming a tune. This production is not just for Black History Month but for all the days of the year, and it will appeal to those of all ages, generations, and backgrounds. You must become part of the live audience and see it. This is a show not to be missed, so buy your ticket now!

“Women of Soul” is playing at the Mercury Theater Chicago, 3745 N. Southport Avenue, in Chicago, through March 6, 2022.

Tickets are $35-$80.

Performance schedule:

Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays – 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays – 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sundays – 2:00 p.m.

For more information about the show or to purchase tickets, go to: https://www.mercurytheaterchicago.com/women-of-soul or contact the box office at   773-360-7365 . The theater is located at 3745 N. Southport Avenue, in Chicago.

For general information and other offerings, visit: https://www.mercurytheaterchicago.com/.

COVID protocols are in place. All members of the audience will be required to provide proof of vaccination either with a physical copy of the vaccination card or on a smartphone, together with a government-issued ID (for those 18 or over) or a school photo ID (for those under 18). Additional information about COVID restrictions can be found on the first page of their website: https://www.mercurytheaterchicago.com/.

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