My, how the ladies of the Black Ensemble Theatre love their men of soul.
No intent here to overlook how much we men appreciate the song stylings of a Ray Charles, Luther Vandross, Lionel Richie or a Peabo Bryson, but on a Sunday afternoon on North Clark Street, it is the well-dressed ladies who long have ruled the roost at Black Ensemble and who let their feelings known. Affirmatively, in this case. Most affirmatively.
We all enjoyed a Sunday afternoon dance party like we were watching our favorite World Cup team; even your humble correspondent swayed a little in the rear. (In the rear, not with the rear).
As part of its 50th anniversary season, Black Ensemble has been reprising some of its greatest hits from over the years, many of which (including this one) I saw in their original productions. As regular theatergoers well know, these are jukebox musicals, either driven around a particular star (such as Jackie Wilson) or a collective theme, as in this summer’s attraction. The structure of the piece is really an excuse to trot out talented young Chicago performers and have them perform those songs live. In between, one typically gets little bits of narration offering some biographical background before making way to let the hits roll. On occasion, that has been a lot, but this production really clips along, more so now than the first time around. The energy never sags.
In this case, I am sad to say, some of the narration in Daryl D. Brooks’ production had to be updated to note that the performers in question had died since the show was first produced a dozen years ago or so. That was about the only sobering note in what is a joyful show.
The ensemble-driven show features Jaitee Thomas, Vincent Jordan, Ben Woods, Dwight Neal, Tamara Batiest, Raven Carroll, Max Schingen, Kevin Pollack and Chloe Johnson, and all of the cast, some newcomers, some veterans, are excellent. The women of soul actually have their own BET show, but they get their moment in their spotlight here, too, and not just as backup singers, either.
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I’ve thought for years that Chicago should find a way to showcase these BET revues downtown, where tourists can find them more easily. “Men of Soul” is a perfect example; aside from being a good time for almost everyone, it’s also a meaningful showcase for Chicago-based talent. By the way, there is an expansive definition of men of soul here; room is found for Billy Joel and Tom Jones, both rendered in highly entertaining ways. And legit soul singers, too.
One last note. I don’t think the details are important, but on opening night, I was witness to this cast really taking care of each other on stage. The BET audience immediately understood what had just happened and it only made them cheer all the more for a generous, talented group of people.
Chris Jones is a Tribune critic
Review: “Men of Soul” (3 stars)
When: Through Aug. 9
Where: Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St.
Running time: 2 hours, 10 minutes
Tickets: $69 at 773-769-4451 and blackensembletheater.org