Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...I think BET likely has a potentially long-running hit here, given the reaction from the audience which danced, sang along, cheered and grooved. I wish Brooks would look at the end of the show, which has things in the wrong order in terms of making dramaturgical sense and I’d argue that a few judicious cuts and pacing improvements are needed. There’s at least 15 minutes of dead air here. Hit the speed button on that turntable!"
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...With writer/director Daryl D. Brooks’s The Time Machine: A Tribute to the ’80s, Black Ensemble Theater delivers a piledriving jukebox of classics from the titular decade in a production that’s one of the best in the company’s long history. Long story short: It’s truly worth the price of a ticket just to see Thee Ricky Harris deliver a face-melting take on Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer” while a team of backup dancers and vocalists create a vibe with the gusto of an arena concert. The rest of the show is equally fine, from Jared Brown’s take-no-prisoners rendition of Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy” to Trequon Tate’s blistering take on Kool Moe Dee’s “I Go to Work.”"
Let's Play Theatrical Reviews - Highly Recommended
"...With its soulful vocals, timeless melodies, and heartfelt lyrics, BET's The Time Machine: A Tribute To The '80s is a thrilling roller-coaster ride you don't want to miss."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...The music and the arrangements cannot be any better, thanks to music director Robert Reddrick, band leader Adam Sherrod, and vocal arranger (and uncle) Thee Ricky Harris. Of course, there’s all the ensemble dancing to boot, thanks to choreographer Christopher Chase Carter—and also solo moves by Lewis. I especially liked Tony Churchill’s projection design with videos of a cassette tape in motion, featuring the names of the various songs, the artists who performed them, and their publishers/record labels."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...This show is an homage to the energetic ’80’s, a period of electronic music, post-disco dance-pop, digital recording, synthesizers and the emergence of hip-hop. Clothed in gorgeous, form-fitting costumes by Marquecia Jordan and wigs designed by Keith Ryan, the company sparkles and surprises with their considerable talent. Denise Karczewski’s spectacular scenic and lighting design, enhanced by Tony Churchill’s terrific projections and DJ Douglass’ spot-on sound design, make this musical revue feel like a Broadway musical. And oh, What a Feeling!"
Buzznews.net - Recommended
"...Fueling this musical time machine is the masterful Music Director, Robert Reddrick. With his keen ear and dedication, he has meticulously recreated the authentic sounds of the featured songs of the 1980s’. Joining him on this sonic journey is a stellar band, bringing the music to life with their expertise. Adam Sherrod weaves his magic on the keyboard. Eric Troy, Sr. adds rich textures to the organ."
City Pleasures - Highly Recommended
"...Ambitiously performing 40 hits that helped shape the decade, The Time Machine’s masterfully curated song list proved both comprehensive and surprisingly enlightening. Prince, Michael Jackson and Madonna were dutifully represented. But so were Keith Sweat, Lisa Lisa, Morris Day, Sheila E. and Bobby Brown. After intermission, those secular preachers who brought the world hip hop, including LL Cool J, Run DMC and Queen Latifah, triumphantly reigned. The breadth of music and artists portrayed meant members of the company’s ensemble performed a plethora of roles. Invariably they’d step into each with the kind of assurance that guarantees splendor. We understand that rising to the role is endemic to the craft; but witnessing such consummate pluck in action remains wonderfully fulfilling for an audience to see."
NewCity Chicago - Recommended
"...The show is about the music, but less about plot. Teenager Derrick (Brandon Lewis) is cramming for an essay on the music of the eighties and consults with his Uncle Mike (Thee Ricky Harris), a scientist with a time machine shaped like a ten-foot-tall boombox that can pluck music artists from the timestream and showcase them à la carte. The format feels like a late-night informercial for a boxed set of CDs, but it does a good job of moving through each act."
