[rating=4] Funk is a music genre that originated in African-American communities in the mid-1960s when African-American musicians created a rhythmic, danceable new form of music through a mixture of soul music, jazz, and rhythm and blues. Wikipedia
Cultural origins: Mid-1960s, United States
Black Ensemble Theater, over its years has brought us great and valued history lessons when it comes to music and of course the Black singers, writers, and musicians. These are the people instrumental in creating the sounds that have become memories for some of us, and “historical” for the younger set.
Director Daryl L. Brooks, who has been well -trained by Black Ensemble’s creator, Jackie Taylor, has written the current production, “You Can’t Fake The Funk ( A Journey Though Funk Music) “, now on the stage at BE located at 4450 N. Clark Street. This is the theater that Jackie built and a Chicago treasure ( as is Jackie) thru September 22nd.
“You Can’t Fake The Funk” etc, is a journey thru time, taking us back to the 1950’s and moving us towards the end of the 1990’s.
Brooks’ script has us in a time machine where we journey back to the “afro” look of the 1960’s ( even I wore my hair in curls) and our clothing was flashy with our pants being bell bottoms and very tight. The costumes and wigs ( Rueben Echoles has outdone himself) will take you back to that time ( unless you are younger), but I do suggest that the men who are wearing these tighter, clingy pants think about getting a “dance belt” or sports Jock. After all, Black Ensemble is a “Family venue”
As always with Black Ensemble, we learn a great deal about the music and the people who created it. So one might say, we are entertained ( highly) as well as educated. Artists such as Sly and The Family Stone, George Clinton, Bootsy Collins, The Ohio Players, Earth Wind and Fire, Rufus Chaka Khan, the fabulous Rick James, Cameo, Curtiss Mayfield, Isaac Hayes, James Brown and a host of others.
There are 13 numbers in the first act and another 14 in Act Two. A total of two hours ( with a 15 minute intermission) of solid entertainment in which the audience is sure to get involved. There are some that say that Black Ensemble 
audiences get a little too involved, but that is what Jackie Taylor was seeking when she first started this company almost 50 years ago. Let it be! It is perfect!
audiences get a little too involved, but that is what Jackie Taylor was seeking when she first started this company almost 50 years ago. Let it be! It is perfect!This highly energetic cast ( they have been this way since day one) is led by Dwight Neal as Dr. Funk ( wait until you see the outfits and shoes he wears-( Rueben, what were you thinking?) and includes Brandon Lavell, David Simmones, Jayla Williams Craig, Michael Adkins, Blake Hawthorne, Stewart Romeo, Lemond Hayes, Thera Wright and Vincent Jordan who is amazing doing “September” to end the first act ( the entire audience was on its feet for this one).
As always, the musical direction is by Robert Reddrick, who sings in the opening number and his band of great musicians: Adam Sherrod, Mark Miller, Dudley Owens ( who leaves his sax for the last number and truly shows his dance ability), Gary Baker, Marvin Davis and Royce Harrington. These guys are OPS!
The set at Black Ensemble is pretty consistent, but for this one they built a space ship or maybe a time machine that looked like a space ship (Denise Karczewski , who also did lights) and Belk Lambrect, who created a turntable stage that worked for moving scenes and numbers, but to be honest, often kept each performer from getting the applause they deserved. The sound ( (David Samba) and choreography ( Christopher Chase carter) were perfect. We never lost a note and our performers never missed a step!
“You Can’t Fake The Funk” will continue thru the 22nd of September with performances as follows:
Thursdays 2 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, 4450 N. Clark Street, by calling 773-769-4451 or online at http://www.blackensemble.org
Valet ( indoor) parking is available as well as street and meter. Pay attention to the zone signs, in particular should the Cubs be in town.
Seniors, students and groups can get a 10% discount.
To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “You Can’t Fake The Funk (A Journey Through Funk Music).
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