Nothin But The Blues at Black Ensemble Theater

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...the story is thin. For all the stage time lavished on Theresa's, we learn precious little about it or--more disappointingly--about the woman who gave it its name. Instead, playwright Joe Plummer has concocted a series of entertaining but formulaic vignettes that set up a problem--a bad marriage, heavy drinking, a kid who wants to prove he can sing the blues--and then solve it. Still, these bits are performed with considerable charm and energy by an ensemble of triple threats who bring the house down when they sing."

Windy City Times - Recommended

"...for those preferring to stay in their seats, there is spectator entertainment aplenty, starting with a five-piece orchestra, diverse in both race and gender, replicating the sound of Theresa's original house band, which included such now-legendary names as Junior Wells and Buddy Guy. Before long, we are witness to such classics of the repertoire as "The Thrill Is Gone," "Born Under A Bad Sign" and "Back Door Man" ( crooned in stalker-tempo by the always-arresting Rick Stone ) , along with some less-frequently performed tunes such as "Down Home Blues," delivered in Trinity Murdock's charismatic baritone; a "You Can Have My Husband" to peel paint off the walls, courtesy of Noreen Starks; and a show-stopping "Hard Times" by Rhonda Preston as the formidable Ms. Needham herself. Look for surprise guest artists further on in the run, or, if you dare, sign the "Blue Monday" open-mic list—this is Theresa's, after all."

Centerstage - Recommended

"...Although the storyline is entertaining, playwright Joe Plummer's tale of cheating, drinking and striving for dreams is pretty predictable. There are no surprises with this musical but performances by Rick Stone hamming up with "Back Door Man" and Noreen Starks' "You Can Have My Husband" are highlights. An original tune, "Pick Yo Ass Up," penned by Taylor and Trinity Murdock and performed raucously by the ensemble, sums up the hopeful feel of the production and the blues overall."

Time Out Chicago - Recommended

"... While the show hardly breaks new ground, originality’s not necessarily the main point of the blues. A set of blistering performances keeps Nothing But the Blues a high-quality entertainment. As bar owner Theresa Needham, Rhonda Preston brings the first act to a fiery conclusion with a soaring take on Ray Charles’s “Hard Times.”"

7DAYS - Highly Recommended

"...As always, a dynamite cast makes the music come to life, newcomer Lawrence Williams who packs a lot of voice in a small frame ( wait until you hear his "Messin With The Kid"), Rhonda Preston as the legendary Theresa Needham ( she is always right on!), the always reliable Trinity Murdock, who for the past two years has shown great growth in his acting ability to go along with his powerful voice, Lyle Miller who does a great comedy bit as Lewis the drunk, Noreen Starks, whose role is small but who almost stops the show with her "You Can Have My Husband" which she sings to her husband's "girlfriend,, the lovely Candace C, Edwards ( another fresh young talent at Black Ensemble). Her husband is played by Kelvin Roston, Jr. who can move and sing with the best of them. Robin Beaman takes on the role of Flo, the young lady sought after by Lewis the Drunk ( with a surprise twist to their story) and last but not least, the old man who sits in a corner, but sings and dances to a glorious beat, Old Man Washburn, handled to perfection by Rick Stone. Every voice is wonderful and every character brings magic to the production."

ChicagoCritic - Recommended

"...We get glimpses into the lives of the regulars as their lives influence their angst that fuels their emotions that is expressed by singing the blues. Blues fans will love this show, I know I did. There is nothing like Chicago-styled blues. Music director Robert Reddrick deftly has his blues band creating the rich blues in fine rhythms. A few sound problems made some of the early dialect hard to understand but the music soared. This show is pure soulful music."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Somewhat Recommended

"...Everyone in the cast gets their chance to wail and shine in a round-robin style of musical solos, even if we have only a vague idea of what they are singing about. There is so much talent in Black Ensemble's roster that you really want to see what they could do with an actual script. The revue's theme, "If life hands you a lemon, make lemonade" could be applied to nearly all of this reputable 34-year-old company's hit shows. The music changes but the formula remains. So if you love the blues very loudly played, Theresa's Lounge is where it's at."