Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...In case I haven’t made it clear: the music alone makes “Blue Heaven” worth seeing. If you’re someone who feels more comfortable in a theater than at a music gig, this is your chance to experience the best of both worlds — although, fair warning, your ears will probably ring a bit afterward. Even if blues isn’t your usual genre of choice, the energy and talent on stage are irresistible."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...Either way, the production — by writer-director Daryl D. Brooks — will have you stomping and singing courtesy of the all-stops-out rendition of “Let the Good Times Roll” as covered by an iconic quintet: Howlin’ Wolf (Lyle Miller), Big Mama Thornton (Miciah Lathan), Muddy Waters (Dwight Neal), Stevie Ray Vaughan (Billy Rude) and B.B. King (Aaron Reese Boseman)."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...Though the stories may just scratch the surface of these phenomenal lives, the songs raise the rafters. Miller’s guttural growl, Neal’s assured swagger, Lathan’s straight-from-the-shoulder delivery, Boseman’s flashes of anguish, and Rude’s superb guitar work all land with force and joy. Black Ensemble Theater’s founder and CEO, Jackie Taylor, jokes that coming to her theater is like coming to church (because there are collection baskets in the lobby). Brooks’s ensemble shines in this heavenly dive into the blues."
Let's Play Theatrical Reviews - Highly Recommended
"...Brooks's Blue Heaven is one of the best production written for the Black Ensemble Theater and is delightfully entertaining from beginning to end. This play has traveling wings and should land somewhere in one of the off-broadway theaters."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
'...I am a lover of “The Blues” and their current show, “Blue Heaven” is roughly 90 minutes ( no intermission) of great blues songs brought to life by a cast of five talented performers. Try to imagine five great Blues artists waiting to get into Heaven. In this particular case, Heaven is Gods private Blues Club called “Pearly’s gates”."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...The autobiographical dialogue helps to understand the tortured artist effect which results in pure musical magic for these iconic blues artists. Even if you are not a typical blues fan, this show is just plain good music and phenomenal performance. 24 songs, great vocal range and guitar playing, all satisfy the soul."
MaraTapp.org - Highly Recommended
"...Give thanks for the blues by taking in the new show at Black Ensemble Theater before it closes on Sunday. In a charming conceit, BET Producing Managing Director Daryl D. Brooks, who also directs this play, takes his audience past the pearly gates for performances by some of the great blues artists. This means audience members are treated to the usual high level of Black ensemble singing and music but Brooks’ storyline is stronger than some BET past plays, and the music is heavenly."
