Hitt Records at Black Ensemble Theater

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...As is typical at Black Ensemble, the show ends with a message of unity; uncles and nephew conclude that music connects us all. I have an older family member whose love language is sharing the music they grew up with, and the intergenerational warmth of “Hitt Records” made me think of them. The show is a sweet bit of nostalgia for those of a certain age and a lighthearted musical history lesson for the rest of us."

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...BET leans in on nostalgia, but their ensemble magnificently sells this song and dance. The energetic band under music director Robert Reddrick is excellent too, as is the choreography by Christopher Chase Carter. Hitt Records makes for a warm and zippy respite from the winter doldrums."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended

"...HITT Records is an educational music revue cleverly MC’d via a play structure. The traditional elements of a play: plot, character development, etc. are not present. Instead, the theater segments are more akin to skits introducing and illuminating historically relevant musical hits performed by the cast and an excellent live band. It’s a high energy show and the audience was often invited to clap and even sing along which was a lot of fun."

Let's Play Theatrical Reviews - Somewhat Recommended

"...The two hour, two-act musical, featuring a final concert performance, is Black Ensemble's most substantial musical attribute, perfecting their ability to bring stories to life on stage. Still, it's essential to recognize that this niche doesn't always hit the mark. The essence of a compelling musical experience can falter if the right performers are not in place to deliver narratives and songs effectively- and this is the case with Hitt Records."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"..."Hitt Records" is a hit with the whole audience! Written and directed by Daryl D. Brooks, this splendid show features hit songs previously performed by a diverse mix of top artists from the 1970s and early 1980s: many of whom are African-American."

WTTW - Highly Recommended

"...To get straight to the point: “Hitt Records,” the musical revue now receiving its world premiere at the Black Ensemble Theater, is an absolute knockout. And I urge you to head to the production that is only scheduled to run through Jan. 26 as soon as possible."

Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended

"...Daryl Brooks’ latest production is a potpourri of fun. It’s filled with plenty of joy, excitement and a lot of little-known facts about some of the 20th century’s best musical soloists and vocal groups. Brooks has cast this production with the finest actor/singer/dancers in Chicago. While a few of the gifted cast members who bring this delightful revue to life are brand new to the Black Ensemble Theatre, many of the other performers are familiar fan favorites. In so many ways, BET’s latest offering is filled with nostalgic memories and is a much welcome musical trip back in time."

Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended

"...From the unswerving excellence of BE's house band under the musical direction of Robert Reddrick, to the wonders Evelyn Danner creates with costumes and Keith Ryan constructs with wigs, your senses are guaranteed to be supercharged. You could also detect an added something that makes Hitt Records somehow a little more special. Maybe it was the subtle elan Christopher Carter added to his choreography. Or perhaps it was the kind of noteworthy inspiration DeVaughn Loman found in his core to give such a stellar performance as Bobby Womack singing if you think you're lonely now. Morsels of like magic dotted the entire performance."