Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...When Black Ensemble Theatre opened its beautiful new building in November, it did so with a show, "The Jackie Wilson Story," that not only was under-rehearsed but was merely a pro forma remount of a hit from the past. The second, far more successful production in this gorgeous new venue, "The Marvin Gaye Story," is not only more polished and accomplished, but is a significant step forward for director Jackie Taylor and her company at a critical juncture in their shared history."
Chicago Sun Times - Recommended
"...Taylor’s show certainly captures the inner angst of the man, and the terrible dynamics of the family that forever haunted him. But while it is comprised of a number of fierce individual scenes and the dynamic musical numbers you expect from the Black Ensemble, it is too long and sluggish in its overall pacing. And not until midway through the second act does it evoke the intensely sexual stage presence associated with Gaye — a once-shy performer deeply ambivalent about that other persona."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...Taylor's energy appears to be infectious: it comes through in Robert Reddrick's brassy, jubilant musical direction and Rashawn Thompson's soulful covers as Gaye. When the script turns to more nuanced family matters, though, Taylor's dialogue goes clunky. And scenes involving Gaye's abusive dad run from puzzlingly simplistic to cringe-worthy."
Windy City Times - Highly Recommended
"...What distinguishes The Marvin Gaye Story from a simple song-after-song musical revue is the portion of onstage time devoted to the troubled life of this still-lamented artist—specifically, the indelible harm inflicted by his demon-driven parent upon a son unable to escape his destructive heritage except through suicide-by-design. Does this mean that the show is (at its roots) a lesson in dysfunctional family dynamics, with Gaye serving merely as a case study? While those seeking wisdom will not leave disappointed—the final number is a syncopated soul arrangement of "His Eye Is On The Sparrow," after all—those preferring their sermons with a choreographed backbeat will also go home satisfied. Can I get a you-know-what?"
Time Out Chicago - Recommended
"...Whatever flaws the script may have, they’re easily forgettable once the music begins. With impeccable support from the band and the magnificent Thompson as its leader, the cast spectacularly re-creates classics like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “What’s Going On.” The vocal performances are spot-on, but this musical needs some textual healing before it can achieve greatness."
Stage and Cinema - Recommended
"...The tortured elements in the life of the great rhythm and blues artist Marvin Gaye would be fascinating fodder for a powerfully tragic stage play. Either that, or bypass his story, concentrating instead on the ample material Gaye left behind for a terrific musical revue. The Black Ensemble Theater premiere of The Marvin Gaye Story moves between each option. The winner, as in so many previous BET productions, is the music, while the erratic storytelling comes in a distant second."
ChicagoCritic - Recommended
"...The razor-thin book only gave sketches in telling Gaye’s life story. With repetitive scenes depicting Gaye’s drug use, low self-esteem, womanizing and inconstant work ethic, we sure see Marvin Gaye’s personal demons still left him the ability to accomplish outstanding musical success. We see both sides of Marvin Gaye – the smooth artist and the self-destructive flawed human often paralyzed by drugs and a painful past."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Recommended
"...Ultimately, Taylor moves beyond a laudable desire to show the price that life pays for art. She explores the more problematic realm of forgiveness for a mortal sin. The posthumous Marvin we meet actually forgives his dad and takes some of the blame for provoking him to parricide. I’m not sure if Taylor can push her message into the next world, but the presumption does credit to her huge heart and boundless compassion."
Let's Play at ChicagoNow - Highly Recommended
"...As tragic and painful as much of Gaye’s life was, we are left with his gorgeous, soulful music, and each time the Black Ensemble’s terrific band and cast started into another Gaye classic, you could feel the audience’s deep love and appreciation for this music. Because just as the cast never held back its passion from being on stage and bringing us this music and story, the audience members who knew the words to these songs were nearly just as vocal."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Music is pretty much what Black Ensemble is all about! Ms Taylor finds great talent and selects the best musicians to bring to life on her stage, and if you were to ask those in the audience why they visit Black Ensemble Theater on a regular basis, the response you are sure to hear is the great music and the wonderful talent. In addition, we learn more about the music makers of history, in many cases, clearing up some of the stories that we have heard over the years."
