Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended
"...You could see "Men of Soul" as a Las Vegas-style tribute show that just happens to have a really big cast. But it's also a useful history lesson for any young person you might have around your house who could do with a fast-paced education in the history of soul music. That is exactly what this show provides, with a fleet of bravura performances, a warm heart and a big dollop of self-referential humor. It is, I think, one of the best times you will have in a Chicago theater this summer, assuming only one given: That you like classic soul music."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...But in its altogether spectacular world premiere revue, "Men of Soul (with a Tribute to Bill Withers)," written and directed with immense zest by Daryl D. Brooks, that sort of theatrical transubstantiation occurs about two dozen times in the course of two hours. The show's cast of 11 simply bursts into one showstopping number after another. And in the process, such diverse but invariably soulful megastars as Ray Charles, James Brown, Lionel Ritchie, Tom Jones, Joe Cocker and Prince emerge to breathtaking effect."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...Kevin Pollack and Rashawn Thompson bring the house down as Joe Cocker and Bobby Womack, respectively, while Rueben D. Echoles's jittery James Brown and Kyle Smith's convulsive Prince quickly descend into camp. But even in the best numbers the effect is one of rote imitation instead of fresh interpretation-a slick but empty exercise in nostalgia. Not to mention Brooks's occasionally baffling song choices; since when is Billy Joel a soul singer?"
Windy City Times - Highly Recommended
"...On its first post-opening night, the evening's agenda still displayed signs of being under revision—in particular, the ballad-heavy second act, after leading off with the trio of female back-up singers giving us a preview of the upcoming Women of Soul revue currently in the works. This doesn't mean that you should wait before booking tickets, however. There's plenty in the currently two-and-a-quarter hours before El DeBarge's "Rhythm of the Night" and a medley of classics by the prolific Bill Withers sends us home caroling "Lean on Me" with enthusiasm, elation and maybe even a bit of, yes, soul."
Stage and Cinema - Highly Recommended
"...It's a very generous tour-de-force, as galvanic in its dances as its solos, always repaying the dues of these individually and collectively overpowering supersingers. Just as was said about Withers, they delivered "the soundtrack of people's lives." Reprising their riches is the best reward a hot theater can offer a joyous audience."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...This fast-paced revue moves so quickly that it almost becomes nostalgic overload! The music and the voices are terrific as the atmosphere is very much like an all-star concert. This is a wonderfully entertaining tribute to the soul artists. It will quickly become one of the Black Ensemble Theater's classic productions. Don't miss this fantastic show!"
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Black Ensemble Theater is doing what it does best! That is probably the best way to put it, as they now do "Men of Soul" with a tribute to Bill Withers, more of a Cabaret Review over a "book play" and as far as the opening night audience was concerned, that was great!!!!. In fact, this is what they do best! Over the years, Jackie Taylor and her staff have found some of Chicago's most dazzling talents to grace their stage(s). Yes, first at the smaller venue and now at the new, high tech venue on Clark Street, just 8 blocks north of Wrigley Field. This show is two hours (with a 15 minute intermission) that takes us down memory lane, visiting the legends of "Soul", both Black and White."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...This brisk, buoyant, magnificently entertaining musical revue, written and directed by Black Ensemble Theater’s multitalented Daryl D. Brooks, is THE show of the summer. It’s a reverent retrospective of the talent shared by these Men of Soul and the pleasure they’ve brought to our lives. This revue is constantly engaging, a high-octane production filled with wonderful, memory-evoking songs performed by an ensemble of gifted musical artists. Magnificent musical direction, choreography and scenic, costume and wig design all support this astounding cast. This revue is, in short, the soulful show it proclaims to be. It never fails to give its audience a brilliant evening of Endless Love."
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Recommended
"..."Men of Soul" soars when the talk is minimal and the singing and musical accompaniment ascend to the rafters. Future BET shows hopefully will follow this one's lead in keeping the dialogue concise and informative, the pace brisk, the pretentions modest, and the music consistently front and center. A generation of male performers sang their hearts out to elevate soul music to its classic pop status and "Men of Soul" is a fitting tribute. Now if room could be made for an Isaac Hayes number...."
