Dynamite Divas Reviews
Chicago Tribune- Somewhat Recommended
"...If you're an Aretha fan, you'll be knocked out by Shari Addison, who stopped the show halfway through Act 2 and whose vocal performance is among the very best I've ever heard in this theater — heck, in any Chicago theater. It's not just about vocal pyrotechnics either, but about how this superb performer acts these incredibly challenging songs."
Chicago Sun Times- Highly Recommended
"...When “Men of Soul” rocked the stage of the Black Ensemble Theater this past season, the supporting ladies in the cast made it clear they would soon be demanding equal time. And so they have with the sensational show “Dynamite Divas: A Tribute to Woman of Soul,” written by Jackie Taylor, directed and choreographed by Rueben Echoles and featuring a stellar group of women backed by BET’s ever-dazzling onstage band led by Robert Reddrick. Though a reprise of a 2001 production, “Divas” feels wholly new. And the talent is simply breathtaking."
Chicago Reader- Somewhat Recommended
"...There's no parsing the exuberant nonsense of Jackie Taylor's latest jukebox musical, so it's best just to surrender to a mostly strong cast performing some great songs. Rhonda Preston's Wilson and Rashada Dawan's Knight take a while to kick in properly, and Melanie McCullough's Flack never really arrives at all, but Shari Addison's Franklin is a marvel from start to big finish."
Windy City Times- Highly Recommended
"...Ultimately, though, the take-away is not in the titles-why quibble over who's the "queen" and who's the "empress" of soul?-but the additional resonance brought by the quartet of Rhonda Preston, Rashada Dawan, Melanie McCullough and Shari Addison to such potentially cloying ballads as "I've Never Been to Me" when choreographed as mentorly advice from the surviving elders to their acolytes; or a flashback duet by Donny Hathaway and a younger Roberta Flack to lend fresh intensity to the too-often lullabyish "Killing Me Softly" before "Rock Steady" provides us with a rallying anthem into a new year fraught with challenge and uncertainty."
Gapers Block- Recommended
"...Originally staged by BET in 2001, the current version of Divas is updated to include some of today's divas and the use of electronic handheld devices by Mr. Maurice and his staff. Echoles has created spectacular evening gowns for all the divas and ensemble members. The sparkling stage set and lighting are designed by Denise Karczewski and enhanced by Aaron Quick's sound and projections design."
Stage and Cinema- Highly Recommended
"...Black Ensemble Theater's dynamite divas detonate at all the right moments, justifying and restoring careers that have lasted over half a century. They'll never again assemble on the same stage-except on Clark Street five times a week through January 24. Don't say you weren't enticed."
ChicagoCritic- Highly Recommended
"...Dynamite Divas is the kind of show several generations in a family would enjoy going to together; it passes on knowledge of the living treasures, while respecting the contributions of younger artists. Many revues are powered by nostalgia, and Black Ensemble’s work consists largely of tributes to the old or deceased. But at the beginning of their fortieth season, Jackie Taylor’s company is embracing an exciting future, and preserving a place for the ancestors who shaped them."
Around The Town Chicago- Highly Recommended
"...The original story by Jackie Taylor was produced over ten years ago, back in the old, much smaller theater. This all new, exciting and powerful production on the stage in the new venue is "dynamite" itself so the name "Dynamite Divas" makes even more sense. The direction for the new production is handles by associate Artistic Director Rueben D, Echoles, who has risen during his years at Black Ensemble form cute performer to writer, director, choreographer of some of their best stuff. Jackie hand picked this young man to be her "right hand man" and he has never let her down. He has what it takes and proves it with every show he is involved with. Great work Jackie!"
Chicago Theatre Review- Highly Recommended
"...This new production is a much-welcome return to the kind of show that audiences have come to love and look forward to at Black Ensemble Theater. Jackie Taylor has once again created a joyous, toe-tapping new musical revue that both celebrates a number of legendary, internationally famous divas while also showcasing the dazzling talents of some of Chicago’s finest performers, as well. This holiday present is a gift that keeps giving on into the New Year, with a promise of many more wonderful musical productions to come in the months ahead."
Chicago Theater Beat- Highly Recommended
"...Taylor’s script has its moments – she creates a haughty but still likable Franklin that delivers some honest laughs, especially with her exchanges with Beyoncé for allegedly slighting her at an awards show. Her business with Mr. Maurice, though, just isn’t as funny as its intended to be. Director Echoles has a nice stage presence, but he’s far from creating a comic character that would justify the stage time he’s given. And the whole business about his elaborate plot to stage this worldwide broadcast is too complicated and busy – and takes time we’d rather spend listening to these singers and these songs. Too bad Mr. Maurice hasn’t invented a device to fast-forward through live theater – we could skip over the dialogue that doesn’t land and just enjoy the music of these dynamite divas."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre- Recommended
"...The showbiz, history, family, love and faith all have their turn as a discussion point as the clock counts down. But though Echoles mischievously twinkles just fine, and Taylor has her way with a one-liner, this is a show that functions best purely as a dynamite vehicle for some oldies which, placed judiciously, can still bowl over an audience. Not just because of the vocal acrobatics required to sing them, but the message to which those acrobatics pay service."