Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...First things first: Every member of the Black Ensemble Theater revue “Those Sensational Soulful ’60s” not only lives up to the names and voices of the many fabled artists they channel so brilliantly, but (and this might come close to heresy), in some cases they all but eclipse them. They are amazing talents."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...Black Ensemble Theater's 40th anniversary season is essentially a victory lap for executive producer Jackie Taylor, who's polishing up and showcasing the company's biggest jukebox hits over the years. Playing in repertory with its 50s counterpart Doo Wop Shoo Bop, this compilation lacks deep biographies or side plots to get mired in, so the spotlight stays on what Taylor and company do best: rapturous, roof-burning renditions of singles that thrive in the hands of the superb house band."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...The Sensational Soulful Sixties has 40 of the greatest soul tunes that are sung with craft and spirit. This show is among my favorite Black Ensemble productions! It is the quintessential Black Ensemble show that demonstrates the quality and positive spirit of music to reach our souls!"
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...For many of us, this was a time of growing up. Many of us finished our education, started our career and in some cases, began family life. It was a golden era in the music industry. In music “Soul” was topping the charts and groups such as The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops and The Marvelettes ruled! Soul singers such as Sammy Cooke Otis Redding, Mary Wells, Tina Turner (with Ike), Patti LaBelle, Mahilia Jackson, Ray Charles, Aretha and as pointed out in this production, many might consider the fact that Frank Sinatra (think about “That’s Life”) and Sammy Davis Junior might have been classified as “soul” despite not being the typical Soul Singer thought of. Ms. Taylor, who wrote and directed this show, advises us in the content that “soul” is not in any way racial. It is in the heart and “soul” where the music comes from!"
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...Those Sensational Soulful Sixties ecstatically blow the roof off the BET theatre with dozens of memorable songs, synchronized choreography, spot-on impersonations and portrayals of our favorite artists from that decade. The audience is even invited on stage to jubilantly join the cast in “The Land of a Thousand Dances.” Accompanied by Robert Reddrick and his seven member musical combo and costumed by Ruthanne Swanson, this show and these performers are guaranteed to make any cold winter night sizzle."
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Highly Recommended
"..."Sixties" offered the audience a dance break, inviting the spectators to come on stage and dance with the performers. Half the audience dashed onto the stage, which turned into a huge rocking love-in. The audience had been into the show from the first note, musically and dramatically testifying to the importance of African American music to the black spectators of all ages in the theater. Some of the songs became call-and-response sing-alongs. The spontaneous and heart-felt reactions made a tingling impression on at least one white member of the audience. Both shows were booted along by the hard-driving jump band led as usual by Robert Reddrick, featuring honking tenor saxophone solos by Dudley Owens."
