France Jean-Baptiste

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October 22, 2009

 

 

‘The Message is in the Music (God is a Black Man Named Ricky)’
Written by Jackie Taylor
Showing: Black Ensemble Theater, 4520 N. Beacon Street, Open Run.
Tickets: $45
Contact: (773) 769-4451; blackensembletheater.org

Reviewed by Brian Kirst
Chicago FreePress+ Contributor

Oh, Lord! It turns out that even a hardcore agnostic can find plenty to enjoy in “The Message is in the Music (God is a Black Man Named Ricky)”—a true testament to the exuberant power of the performers in Black Ensemble Theater’s latest show.

As usual, plot is not the main concern with this ebullient BET production. Jackie Taylor’s story revolves around a joyous, Curtis Mayfield loving God (regularly referred to as ‘He’ here) who finds himself trying to calm his loving wife (‘She’) and angels as Satan unleashes a plan to wreck havoc on the planets. It’s a light plot made peculiar by the fact that while His angels and his right hand, Trinity, spend the majority of the show ecstatically praising He, it is they who finally take action and resolve the situation, at hand. Meanwhile, He (who indulges in a vaguely homophobic moment or two) spends the majority of his time romancing She, offstage.

Still, Taylor directs with vigor and life, mostly ignoring out and out religious tunes for amazing variations on classic Paul Simon, Donna Summer, Sam Cooke and Beatles songs.

Her cast is also outstanding. Professional dancer Carrie, as Demon Doubt, can communicate more with one wave of her hand than most can with a monologue. France Jean- Baptiste’s throaty rendering of “Imagine” is simply spine chilling from the first note.
Meanwhile, as He, Rick Stone compels with boyish enthusiasm and joy. He is backed by the wise Rhonda Preston (whose mere glances are richer than million dollar bills) and the beaming, life affirming Dawn Bless.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 2009 Theatre Review by Alan Bresloff

Steadstyle Chicago

The Message is in the Music

Black Ensemble Theater is unique in that many of the stories they tell are written by Artistic Director/Founder Jackie Taylor, who manages to find some of the most extraordinary voices in Chicago for each production.  The scripts are not the most important part of what she brings to an audience, but they do tell a story.  The current production is titled "The Message is in The Music (God is a Black Man Named Ricky)" that takes us on a trip to heaven and allows us to watch as Lucifer has a face-off with God, the fight between good and evil, love and hate.

Yes, it is an old story and one that will always be retold, but Ms.Taylor puts it together with a cast of powerful singers (who can truly move as well), using 27 songs to tell the tale.  Music from John Lennon, Curtis Mayfield, Paul Simon, Ray Charles, Paul McCartney and others fill the small, intimate theater on Beacon Street, which is soon to be replaced with a brand new state of the art facility.  Songs like "Let It Be", "Tell Me What I Say", "Imagine", "People Get Ready" and "Bridge Over Troubled Water".  There is also a great octette of musicians that make this building rock.  They feel the music and play it as it should be played!

Ms. Taylor knows how to utilize the small stage to perfection and the amazing choreography by Rueben Echoles makes this tiny stage seem to have no boundaries with his steps.  This production is sizzling hot with great arrangements to the music by Robert Reddrick that bring a new flavor to the sound with some jazzy arrangements and some very Gospel sounds.  One could not ask for better voices than those that are assembled on this stage.  Often I hear that when big shows are seeking talent for their productions where African American characters exist, that there is not enough talent around.  Well somebody tell these producers to get in touch with Jackie, because she knows how and where to find them.  Ain't no doubt about it!

The cast for this show sparkles with talent.  Angels Dawn Bless and Rhonda Preston will knock your socks off.  Trinity P. Murdock is a powerful Trinity, Michael T. Bartlett Jr. really moves as Demon Dwight, Carrie as Demon Doubt and her soul-sister Kylah Frye as Demon Fear are wonderful to watch, Corey Andre Wright does a cameo as Curtis Mayfield, and the marvelous France Jean-Baptise plays SHE (this is the name for God's woman as he is often referred to as HE).  The roles of Lucifer (Donald Barnes) and God (Rick Stone) are superbly cast.  I can't think of anyone who could do these roles other than these two men.  Each has a powerful characterization and each one can belt it out with the best.

While the story line is not the strong point to the show, they do get us to think about faith and hope, trust and doubt as well as our fear.  Right now our country is going through some tough times.  Could it be the work of the Devil?  Is Evil lurking around every corner just waiting to grab us?  Well, I suggest that you forget about all that stuff and hop on over to the Black Ensemble Theater located at 4520 N. Beacon (just South of Wilson Avenue and East of Clark Street) for a wonderful two hours plus of great music!

Forget about your troubles and the world around us for two plus hours and just tap your feet, clap your hands and smile that friendly smile while being entertained by the wonderful cast of "The Message is in The Music (God is a Black Man Named Ricky)".  Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at  8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.  Tickets are $45 and are available by calling 773-769-4451 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.  To learn more checkout www.BlackEnsembleTheater.org.

 

 

Good vs. evil do battle joyously

THEATER REVIEW | 'Message' is zesty weave of the secular and spiritual

Comments

October 21, 2009

BY HEDY WEISS Theater Critic/hweiss@suntimes.com

Hellfire and damnation, and a whole lot of heavenly singing and earthly argumentation. That's what you get in "The Message Is in the Music (God Is a Black Man Named Ricky)," Jackie Taylor's red-hot new musical for the Black Ensemble Theater.

The show makes the most of both the temptations and terrors unleashed into the world by Lucifer, that destructive man with the burning tail and the propensity for chaos and war. But it ultimately sees to it that the forces of good prevail by way of a towering, self-assured black man named Ricky. And rarely has the battle between good and evil been quite so much fun, or come with such a blast of vocal and instrumental power behind it.

» Click to enlarge image

"The Message Is in the Music (God Is a Black Man Named Ricky)" stars Rick Stone (center), with Rhonda Preston and Dawn Mitchell.




'THE MESSAGE IS IN THE MUSIC (GOD IS A BLACK MAN NAMED RICKY)'

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

When: Open run

Where: Black Ensemble Theater, 4520 N. Beacon

Tickets: $45

Phone: (773) 769-4451

This is one of Taylor's more tightly scripted and sassily directed pieces -- a zesty weave of the secular and the spiritual that uses more than two dozen vintage hits, by everyone from Curtis Mayfield and Barry White to John Lennon and Paul Simon, to conjure the battle for men's (and women's) souls. And not only does it bring together some of this theater's best-loved performers -- all with clarion voices -- but music director and drummer Robert Reddrick has assembled a smoking eight-piece band that is perched among the "clouds" and sounds as if it had been coached by archangel Gabriel himself.

The force of light here comes in the form of Ricky, a k a "He" (blues singer Rick Stone, whom audiences will forever think of as Howlin' Wolf). He sets the funky but self-assured tone from the moment he arrives onstage in a snowy white zoot suit and gets the audience moving to a rousing take on Mayfield's "It's All Right."

Ricky's wife, "She" (the full-voiced France Jean-Baptiste), is solid as a rock. His guardian angels, Faith (the sensational Rhonda Preston) and Trust (Dawn Bless), are fervent. And his right-hand man, Trinity (powerhouse Trinity P. Murdock), is the official worrier.

Meanwhile, Lucifer (Donald Barnes in his fiery red suit) is up to no good, and his sidekick Demon Dwight (Michael T. Bartlett Jr., who lights up in "Fire") spurs him on, even if Lucifer's sexy Demon attendants Fear (Kylah Frye, who gives a breathtaking performance of "I Wanna Be Free") and Doubt (Carrie) dance and sing up a storm as they begin to have some second thoughts.

NOTE: Taylor, a proud new grandmother, told her audience that $13 million of the $15 million needed for her theater's new home (with two stages and classrooms) has been raised. Groundbreaking is set for June, with a September 2011 opening.

Related Blog Posts

 

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CHRIS JONES AT THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE HAD TO SAY ABOUT ME AS ETTA JAMES IN THE LAST PARAGRAPH

LINCOLN SQUARE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

 

September 1, 2006

 

 

France,

 

I am writing to thank you for another wonderful performance. It was a real pleasure to have you back at the Lincoln Square Chamber of Commerce Summer Concert Series. We always try to recruit the best local talent for our annual concert series and for the last 2 years you have not disappointed. You bring a big, rich, energetic sound that our really audience responds to. I have heard many positive remarks about your show.

 

I also appreciate your professionalism – I can tell that you are very committed to your work and to your audience.

 

I look forward to seeing you perform again. We will definitely keep you in mind for future events. Thanks again and please stay in touch!

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Christie Hahn

Membership Services Director

 

An August year on stage

December 18, 2005

BY HEDY WEISS Theater Critic

 

My test for devising "the year's 10 best" list could not be more simple: I just jot down the productions that most immediately and powerfully come to mind -- the shows that live in my memory without requiring the benefit of even a glance at the computer calendar that could easily remind me of everything I saw in 2005.

This year the list grew to more than 30 entries without any prompting. The problem was whittling it down. Here, the top 10, in no particular order:

"Two Trains Running," opened Sept. 26, Pegasus Players: This revival of August Wilson's 1960s era play of African-American life was on stage at the very moment that the playwright died of liver cancer at 60. This added to its poignancy, but certainly didn't mitigate the fact that director Jonathan Wilson and his cast had created a sublime revival.

"Seven Guitars," opened May 15, Congo Square Theatre Company: Another August Wilson revival -- this one directed by Derrick Sanders, who the playwright had mentored -- featured yet another brilliant assemblage of Chicago's black actors in a riveting and poetic version of this 1940s chronicle about love and loss.

"Wheatley," opened Oct. 10, Victory Gardens Theatre: Lonnie Carter's verbally and intellectually dazzling riff on Phillis Wheatley, regarded as the first African-American female poet, was performed with wit and fire, and marked Yetide Badaki as an actress to watch. (It's worth noting that a Wheatley manuscript sold for a record price at auction just weeks after the show closed.)

"Time and the Conways," opened Sept. 18, Griffin Theatre: This deeply moving, elegiac revival of a rarely seen play by J.B Priestley looked at England between the wars -- with one family's bitter resentments, botched dreams and love of theater all part of the mix. Directed by Jonathan Berry, and beautifully performed by a large cast, it was easily the finest but most overlooked show of the year.

"700 Sundays," opened Nov. 8, Cadillac Palace: Billy Crystal's memoir of his parents, his Long Island youth and his vast array of colorful relatives was a true tour de force that could easily have enjoyed a long run here but was inexplicably booked for only a handful of performances.

"Dollhouse," opened June 28, Goodman Theatre: Playwright Rebecca Gilman's Lincoln Park yuppie update of the Henrik Ibsen classic was clever, insightful and expertly produced, and notably confronted the inequities and resentments so inherent in the American class system that many would like to deny even exists.

"Design for Living," opened Sept. 14, Circle Theatre: This storefront revival of Noel Coward's surprisingly dark comedy of manners was carried off with the kind of panache and control that continually eludes many veteran, high-profile casts. The starry work by relative neophytes was hugely impressive.

"Oliver," opened Dec. 10, Marriott Theatre: David H. Bell's revival of this much beloved musical is fresh, ingeniously staged and superbly performed. As good as anything you'll see on Broadway.

"Red Herring," opened March 23, Northlight Theatre: Jessica Thebus and her knockout, precision-tuned cast created a mock-noir laugh riot in this production of Michael Hollinger's farce that dealt with everything from marriage to McCarthyism.

"At Last: A Tribute to Etta James," opened Feb. 20, Black Ensemble Theater: Five great singer-actresses and a cross-dressing emcee conjured the music and many-sided personality of the great pop singer. And you left the theater snapping your fingers and humming for a good week.

And one last note...

"The Bluest Eye," opened Feb. 5, and "Master Harold ... and the boys," opened Oct. 15: These shows, rooted in the destructive nature of racism, were presented via the Steppenwolf Arts Exchange program, but both should have been part of the theater's mainstage season rather than being relegated to educational outreach for primarily student audiences. Lydia Diamond's first-rate adaptation of Toni Morrison's novel, "The Bluest Eye" was exquisitely directed by Hallie Gordon, with a gorgeous central performance by Alena Arenas, while "Master Harold," expertly directed by K. Todd Freeman, served as a reminder of what a powerful play Athol Fugard created.


www.santiagoresort.com
Year in Review: The Rewards of Being a Theater Reviewer
by Rick Reed
2005-12-28

There are many rewards that come with this job. Many are mixed blessings. Anyone who loves theater might agree that getting comped to just about every show in town would be a great reward. Not so much. It’s like dangling a bag of cocaine in front of an addict; it’s hard to say no even when we know it’s bad for us. So we end up over-indulging. Another reward you might think is nifty is being paid to see theater. And yes, the copious cash flow from Windy City Times does make life grand, but we don’t really get paid to see theater; we get paid to review it, which means lots of nights away from home and a lot of bleary-eyed hours in front of a computer screen, which brings us back to mixed blessings.

No, the real reward of being a theater reviewer is when a director, playwright, creative team, and an ensemble all come together to create magic. The real reward is sitting in a darkened auditorium, blank notebook on my lap, pen forgotten in my hand, while I sit spellbound, watching art come to life.

That’s why I do it. Here are 10 plays from 2005 that un-mix the blessings of being a reviewer. These are all productions that made me forget that I was reviewing and remember the joy of what it’s like to be an audience member. My list is in alphabetical order.

1. At Last: A Tribute to Etta James—Black Ensemble Theater had one of its finest musical biographies on its hands with this intriguing portrait of rhythm and blues songstress James, using the conceit of having five different Ettas on stage at the same time to represent different stages of the singer’s life. Powerhouse vocals and a small, but mighty, band made this show pure, toe-tapping joy.

2. The Bad Seed—Camp humor at its finest. In Cornservatory’s musical drag-deconstruction of the 1950s potboiler about a sweet little girl with terrific penmanship and a taste for murder, they captured the mood of the film perfectly while taking it way, way over the top, with hilarious results.

3. Crave and 4.48 Psychosis—Even though these two stand-out productions were done by different theater companies ( the side project and the Hypocrites, respectively ) , they were both stellar examples of the tragic, poetic world of the late playwright, Sarah Kane, who committed suicide at age 28. Deep, demanding, and terrifying, these works brought home the intense pain that just living can sometimes inspire.

4. Death of a Salesman—The Hypocrites, and director Sean Graney, continued to prove they are one of Chicago’s best emerging theater companies with this inspired and spot-on production of Arthur Miller’s classic take on the American dream.

5. Dollhouse—Rebecca Gilman wrote a winning adaptation of Ibsen’s masterpiece with this Chicago-set, 1980s period piece. The Goodman’s production was flawless and gave new resonance to this early pro-feminist masterpiece, injecting it with humor and pathos and making it accessible to modern audiences.

6. Orpheus Descending—With electrifying performances by Carmen Roman and Steve Key, American Theater Company produced one of its finest efforts to date. Director Damon Kiely brought Tennessee William’s humid take on love, lust, and loss to powerful and unforgettable life.

7. The Pain and the Itch—The Steppenwolf continued to stage the disturbing, thought-provoking, and bitterly funny work of gifted playwright Bruce Norris. Norris’ portrait of a family’s secrets exploding ( at holiday time ) was a giddy roller-coaster ride of sublimely dark humor.

8. Spamalot—Before it became a Broadway smash, it was here, with its original triumvirate: Tim Curry, David Hyde Pierce, and Hank Azaria ( plus show-stopping vocal turns by Sara Ramirez ) . This take on Monty Python’s Holy Grail did what so many marketing savvy producers seek to do: adapt a hit and make it better.

9. Take Me Out—About Face staged Richard Greenburg’s witty and sharp ( and Tony award-winning ) look at coming out of the closet in the baseball big leagues at Steppenwolf. The production was a home run on all counts: great story line, thought-provoking themes, and oh well, I’ll say it, eye-popping eye candy.

10. Much Ado About Nothing—Chicago Shakespeare Theater welcomed Canadian director Marti Maraden to its stage for the first time and she delivered with a dazzling interpretation of one of the Bard’s finest and most complex comedies.

I’m already anticipating 2006 with bated breath: more Bruce Norris at Steppenwolf, the Hypocrites’ production of Angels in America, Mary Zimmerman’s take on Pericles at the Goodman … the list goes on, but the column inches do not. Here’s to blank notebooks, uncapped pens, and the joy of reviewing theater.

At Last: A Tribute to Etta James--For sheer entertainment value, this show comes out on top. Collecting the songs of mighty rhythm and blues songstress Etta James and organizing them into an innovative framework that boasted five different Ettas (at different stages of life) was a stroke of genius. Black Ensemble Theatre's powerhouse cast and band brought down the house repeatedly
 
By Rick R Reed

'Seven Guitars,' 'Etta James' take Black Theater awards

September 27, 2005

BY HEDY WEISS Theater Critic

The winners of the 11th annual Black Theater Alliance Awards honoring achievement in Chicago area productions featuring African-American artists were announced Monday night at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Hotel. And it turned out to be a very good evening for both the Congo Square Theatre Company and the Black Ensemble.

Congo Square's sterling production of August Wilson's "Seven Guitars" was named best play of the 2004-05 season (with awards also going to its director, ensemble, leading actor, featured actress and set and costume designers). The Black Ensemble's irresistible, multifaceted portrait of singer Etta James, "At Last: A Tribute to Etta James," was named best musical of the season, while also earning a nod for one of the show's actors and its musical director.

Here's a complete list of the award winners:

PRODUCTION, PLAY: "Seven Guitars," Congo Square Theater Company.
PRODUCTION, MUSICAL: "At Last: A Tribute to Etta James," Black Ensemble Theater.
WRITING: Gloria Bond Clunie, "Shoes" (Victory Gardens Theatre).
DIRECTION: Derrick Sanders, "Seven Guitars."
ENSEMBLE: "Seven Guitars."
ACTOR, PLAY: Kenn E. Head, "Seven Guitars."
ACTOR, MUSICAL: Rueben Echols, "At Last: A Tribute to Etta James."
ACTRESS, PLAY: Velma Austin, "Intimate Apparel" (Steppenwolf Theatre).
ACTRESS, MUSICAL: Yahdina U'Deen, "Somebody Say Amen: Great Women of Gospel" (Black Ensemble Theater).
FEATURED ACTOR, PLAY: Osiris Khepera, "Relevant Hearsay ... Stories From 57" (MPAACT).
FEATURED ACTRESS, PLAY: TaRon Patton, "Seven Guitars."
PERFORMANCE IN MUSIC/DANCE PROGRAM: Armen Ra, "Chains and Whips" (Najwa Dance Corps).
PERFORMANCE, PLAY (NONRESIDENT): DeWayne L. Woods, "Sing Hallelujah" (Passion Productions).
MUSICAL DIRECTION: Robert Reddrick, "At Last: A Tribute to Etta James."
CHOREOGRAPHY: Mike Malone, "Black Nativity" (Congo Square Theater Company).
CHOREOGRAPHY (NONRESIDENT): Robert Battle, Rennie Harris and Judith Jamison, "Love Stories" (Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater).
SET DESIGN: Jack Magaw, "Seven Guitars."
COSTUME DESIGN: Christine Pascual, "Seven Guitars."
LIGHTING DESIGN: Kathy Perkins, "Black Nativity."
SOUND DESIGN: Joseph Plummer, "Black Nativity

 

Click on the picture below for enlarged printview

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"At Last: A Tribute To Etta James", written by Jackie Taylor and produced by The Black Ensemble Theater. Pictured L to R: France-Jean Baptiste, Desla Epison, Dawn Mitchell, Carrie Abernathy, and Melanie McCullough

YEAR

Best Play (Musical or Revue)

1995

Doo Wop Shoo Bop- Black Ensemble Theater

1996

Train Is Comin’- The Chicago Theater Company

1997

This Far By Faith - eta Creative Arts Foundation

1998

Chicago's Golden Soul - The Black Ensemble Theater

Best Production (Musical or Revue)

2003

Howlin' At The Moon - The Black Ensemble Theater

2004 Eyes - eta Creative Arts Foundation
2005 At Last:A Tribute To Etta James - The Black Ensemble Theater


Jackie Taylor and the cast of "At Last: A Tribute To Etta James"

At Last: A Tribute to Etta James
by Rick Reed
2005-05-04
Images for this article: (click on the thumbnail to see fullsize)
Playwright: Jackie Taylor

At: Black Ensemble Th., 4520 N. Beacon

Phone: ( 773 ) 769-4451; $35

Runs through: open run

“Etta James. Etta James. Etta James. I loves me some Etta James.” And so will you ( if you don’t already ) when you witness Jackie Taylor’s musical biography triumph of the powerhouse singer. The line above is a signature, used throughout Taylor’s crafty and wise portrait of the woman who wrestled with serious demons ( abuse, neglect, drug addiction, and more ) while churning out an astounding body of musical work that spanned decades and included R&B, blues, jazz, gospel, and rock and roll. Musical biographies ( read: revues ) are often a cumbersome affair, linking a set of hits with tidbits from the artist’s life to try and capture something elusive and ethereal. Often, the links between songs sound like a school report. Not here. Jackie Taylor surprises and enthralls with her portrait of James. Taylor made the inspired decision to have not one, not two, but five Etta James on stage at the same time ( wonderful shorthand for demonstrating psychological complexity and what the span of years can do to a person physically and emotionally ) . Not only does this stroke of brilliance showcase the complexity of a tortured artist’s psyche, it also allows for some real dramatic conflict as the various versions of James argue, tease, and sympathize with one another.

Tying it all together is a drag queen ( Ms. Real, in a perfectly modulated, perfectly sassy turn from Rueben D. Echoles ) , who—with a firm, but loving hand—keeps the girls on track and sensitively leads them to conclusions about themselves and their self-worth. It’s a risky device, but it works here, drawing us in and painting a complex and riveting portrait at the same time.

While it’s interesting to hear about Etta James and her rise to fame ( she was a child gospel prodigy at five, and won just about every musical tribute and award there is to be had throughout her long and platinum career ) ; and it’s interesting to hear how a woman who was an icon of popular music couldn’t find love ( except in the latter part of her life ) and had problems with substance abuse, what really makes this show sing is, well, the songs.

Fortunately for Taylor ( and more importantly, for the audience ) , we have five absolutely amazing voices to thrill and touch us. When this show rocks, it’s hard to sit still. In fact, if you can sit still, you better check your pulse. France Jean-Baptiste, Desla Epison, Dawn Mitchell, Carrie, and Melanie McCullough are not only gifted actresses; they are dynamite in interpretation and vocal pyrotechnics ( James knew how to belt out a song ) . We’re treated to about two dozen songs over the course of the show, and every one of them is a slam dunk.

At last, Jackie Taylor and her fine ensemble have brought us a musical portrait worth taking notice of. Jackie Taylor’s spell was cast … and here we are in heaven, at last.

It’s time to update your resume.

 Call: 312-368-8888 for the location nearest you.

Click Here

    I will  personally see that your resume meets current industry standards.

Tom Williams

Our Critics

Highly Recommend:

Silk

Brigadoon

At Last: A Tribute to Etta James

The Finn Festival

Praying Small

Hello Again

Floyd and Clea

Dancing at Lughnasa

 Romeo and Juliet

The Subject Was Roses

Impossible Marriage

Hair

Natural Affection

The Music Man

George Gershwin Alone

I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change

 

At Last: A Tribute to Etta James

Produced, written and directed by Jackie Taylor

Musical Direction by Robert Reddick

At Black Ensemble Theater

4520 N. Beacon

Chicago, IL

Call 773-769-4451, tickets $35

Friday & Saturday at 8 PM

Sunday at 3 PM

Running time 2hrs, 10 min with Intermission

Limited open run

So silky smooth, so bluesy, so wonderful!

I never really understood what “soul” was or meant until I heard Etta James sing. She is the smoothest blues artist with a large dose of emotion that penetrates into your soul. I’m starting to understand the essence of the blues. Etta James marks a path. In Jackie Taylor’s song feast which is a tribute to a little known (outside the Black community) blues singer who is an R & B, jazz, country, folk, pop and rock artist whose silky smooth style is infectious.

Featuring 25 varied songs sung by the five ladies playing each of Etta’s personas, this show is rich in amazingly emotional numbers. From songs like “If I Can’t Have You” to “Something’s Got A Hold on Me” to “In The Basement,” the tribute captures the magic of Jamesetta Hawkins (1938 - ) who gained notoriety as a child gospel singer. She became a star at age 14 with “Roll with Me Henry, “ a Rhythm and Blues song which was an ‘answer song to Hank Ballard’s “Work with me Annie.”

Jackie Taylor points out that the show isn’t a bio or a book show; rather it is a tribute to the spirit of Etta James who overcomes adversity (drugs, abusive men and booze). James is a survivor whose struggles are amplified in her music. Songs like “Fool That I Am,” “I’ll Be Seeing You” and “Don’t Blame Me” are filled with her angst.

We are treated to 5 marvelous ‘Etta’s,’ France Jean-Baptiste, Desla Epison, Dawn Mitchell, Carrie and Melanie McCullough. Just when I was thrilled by one of these talents, another stepped into the spotlight and nailed her number. This continued until it was obvious that each marveled in a particular Etta James style from toe-tapping R & B, to country to gospel to smooth jazz to torch songs with Etta’s heart-wrenching blues being featured. Jackie Taylor had fun with us by having Rueben D. Echoles narrate in full drag. She was a shear delight!

Etta James’ songs are captured in this song feat—if she wonders into Black Ensemble Theater—she’ll be delighted.

Highly Recommended

Tom Williams

Tom99@chicagocritic.com

May 1, 2005

 
















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Friday, May 20, 2005

'At Last: A Tribute to Etta James'
'Stardust'


Etta James tribute swings with power

By BETTY MOHR
Daily Southtown Theater Critic


Audiences familiar with Black Ensemble Theater have come to expect shows that jump with foot-stomping, hand-clapping exuberance.

From musical biographies of black music legends in shows such as "Doo Wop Shoo Bop," "The Jackie Wilson Story," "The Nat King Cole Story" and others, the company has kept the joint jumpin' and jivin' with world-premiere musicals like no other theater troupe in town.


Review

Now, Black Ensemble has done it again with a terrific upbeat celebration of powerhouse songbird Etta James. Written and directed by Jackie Taylor, the theater's artistic director and producer, this show soars with the same kind of hope-filled and inspirational theme that its fans have come to love.

Taylor previously focused on the celebration of famous male musical artists, but this year switched her focus to highlighting women musical stars.

While this show still has the same story line — in which the artist has to overcome hardships, adversities and personal demons to finally achieve success — in this production, Taylor has made a few changes in presentation.

Instead of a revue in which one actor plays the part of the celebrated performer, this show features five women — Dawn Mitchell, Melanie McCullough, Desla Epison, Carrie and France Jean Baptiste — playing the part of James.

These women represent the different personalities that James exuded and suggest her inner torment. Another change comes in the form of the narrator. While previous productions featured a narrator who was personally or professionally connected to the star, this time around, the narrator is a mystery woman who is played by a man (charming Rueben D. Echoles).

While it's an interesting departure, using one actor in the part of the main character would be effective in getting to the heart and soul of the showcased star. That said, this revue rocks with some of the most hand-clapping, you-can't-help-dancing musical numbers.

You might not get as deep as you'd like into James' personality, but you get really deep into her great music, which combined rock, blues and gospel for such numbers as "Roll With Me, Henry," "Something's Got a Hold on Me," "A Sunday Kind of Love," "At Last" and many more.

The music swings with powerhouse performances, such as Mitchell's heartbreaking rendition of "I'll Be Seeing You" and Baptiste's "Blues Is My Business." And the show's orchestra, led by musical director Robert Reddrick, with the beat of Kenneth Clark's saxophone and the trumpets of Kenneth Anderson and John Meggs, has never sounded so good.











 
In Chicago at The Black Ensemble Theater from April 16th thru April 23rd, "At Last" a tribute play to Etta James will take place on stage. I'm hearing these singers are out of this world and can sing, sing, sing up a storm
 
 

Along the way, we're treated to stellar performances, from the twitchy, young, strung-out Etta (McCullough) to the earthy, centered, eldest Etta (Jean-Baptiste).

Time Out Chicago issue 10: May 5–May 12, 2005
 
 
chicago theater on centerstage
 
At Last: A Tribute to Etta James
A fivefold musical homage to a great singer.
If you're familiar with legendary soul singer Etta James, then you know her music (like her voice) is beyond compare: strong and steady, brassy at times, while still managing to be vulnerable. You also know that James' music, like her voice, is extremely difficult to duplicate. The woman who takes on Etta James has to not only have the musical chops, but the attitude and the soul as well. Black Ensemble Theatre has managed to find not one, but five such women to star in its current production, "At Last: A Tribute to Etta James
 
France Jean-Baptiste, Desla Epison, Dawn Mitchell, Carrie and Melanie McCullough, take on the roles of Etta's No. 1-5, respectively, each representing the legendary songstress at various stages of her turbulent life. Backed by a solid band, these women bring the house down more than once. Decked out in wigs and fashions indicative of the era they represent, each actress adds something unique to the show: Carrie and McCullough serve up the laughs and energy, Epison the attitude, Mitchell the raw emotions and Baptiste the quiet strength.

The following Review is reprinted from the April 10, 2002 issue of Nightspots with permission from my friend, mentor and columnist Eric Hensley, known best by his alter ego, Miss Tiger. Eric is an entertainment auteur extraordinaire normally found presiding over outlandish fun and festivities at the world-famous Bijou Theatre in Chicago.

PARIS MAY BE BURNING, BUT FRANCE IS HOTTER THAN HELL!
by Eric Hensley, creator of Miss Tiger
April 10, 2002

It was a Saturday evening and I began with the usual stop, The Bijou, stole a wad of cash and disappeared into the night. I was excited by what the evening had in store, for I was spending it with France Jean-Baptiste. I headed to Raw Bar & Grill, home to Ms. Jean-Baptiste on Saturday evenings. I was stylin', pimped out in Valentino and appropriately dressed for this chic and intimate Chicago nightspot.

I knew from past experience of Ms. Jean-Baptiste's incomparable acting abilities, given her stellar performance in my last show, "Lingis in Love." However, I was in for a whole new side of her...Singing Diva. France, elegantly dressed in a maroon sequined gown, entered the room, and the drama commenced! Her hair and make-up were perfected as if there had been a team of queens primping and prepping her. However, she is beyond the beautiful songstress/ muse stereotype one may perceive her to be upon first glance, and given her musical selections, you know there's much more to this talent. What left a lasting impression was that I didn't hear the same ol' tired blues and piano-bar songs. Instead, I was taken on a journey of my youth, and the trip was one that left me feeling elated. I know my fans think that since I'm so young, my childhood reflects songs by Britney Spears...thanks for the flattery, but I don't think so.

Selections such as Journey's "Open Arms" left me reminiscent of carefree afternoons spent while riding my BMX with my boys. I truly melted with "Sarah Smile" as I reflected upon my first love, Sarah. Why were these emotions so overwhelming? I'll tell you, the reason is that France Jean-Baptiste is an "Eccentric Martini." Ever had one? It's part Jimmy Scott, part Marianne Faithfull with a dash of Etta James and finished off with a sweet cherry. I looked away and blushed as she captivated me with her spellbinding glances and smooth and sultry stylized vocals. Vocals that lifted me and said, "I've seen many things. I've loved and I've hated. I'm at a good point now."

That's what her presence and amazing voice, unknowingly, share with you. The audience was in outer space with France, and everyone was orbiting with one final destination...Planet Happiness. France Jean-Baptiste epitomizes avant-garde; eclectic R&B meets altered state of consciousness.

Do me a favor, check out France and request "Love Don't Live Here Anymore." By the end of the song, you'll appreciate the very moment you're living in. When the last note is sung, she'll leave you feeling the essence of joie de vivre as well as a permanent engagement on Saturday evenings...The Raw Bar & Grill, featuring Ms. France Jean-Baptiste ...

France Jean-Baptiste stars in Eric Hensley Entertainment's new production, "BI-POLAR," hosted by Miss Tiger's Cabaret at the world famous Bijou Theater.Showtime for "BI-POLAR" is Wednesday, May 15 @ 9 p.m. France performs at Raw Bar & Grill on selected Saturdays, for further info visit
www.rawbarchicago.com E-mail erichensley@misstiger.com

 Copyright © 2001 Lambda Publications Inc. All rights reserved. Lambda publishes Outlines, The Weekly Voice of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Trans Community, Nightspots, Out Resource Guide, Clout! Business Report, Blacklines and En La Vida. 1115 W. Belmont 2D, Chicago, IL 60657; PH (773) 871-7610; FAX (773) 871-7609. Web at www.wctimes.com. Feedback to outlines@suba.com!

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