Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...And Kenny Davis — who appears in writer and director Daryl D. Brooks’ new production as one the two main actors playing, or rather paying tribute to, Sammy — has been interpreting the man with whom he shares a surname for more than a decade. I saw Kenny play Sammy in a Rat Pack tribute show at the Royal George Theatre in 2006. And although it does not get near enough focus here, his terrific “Mr. Bojangles” now comes seasoned with pain and age. It is most worthy."
Chicago Sun Times - Somewhat Recommended
"...As a revue that highlights some of Davis’ greatest hits, the production works intermittently well. There are several numbers delivered with great feeling and vocal aplomb, worthy tributes to the man and his music."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...Sure enough, Sammy mentions Davis's highs and lows without coming to terms with them, and its cast offer serviceable vocal and tap performances that never communicate his charisma. Only Kenny Davis manages to put a touch of the master's timbre in his voice. As it turns out, the title artist is less the focus here than an occasion for a pleasant, only mildly informative two hours."
Windy City Times - Highly Recommended
"...Brooks' script does not dwell on these gloomy setbacks, however, instead contenting itself to serve up a string of familiar chart-toppers such as "Me and My Shadow," "I Gotta Be Me" and "What Kind of Fool Am I?" before concluding with a reverent "Mr. Bojangles." These are distributed among a dozen diverse singers encompassing powerhouse baritones, sassy songbirds and silky-sleek crooners, all declaring their right to "sing like Sammy." A premise attracting so wide a demographic makes for many theatergoers arriving with first-hand memories of the real-life events under scrutiny, but for those who don't, Aaron Quick's projections of vintage photographic footage connect the personnel of bygone eras with their post-millennium descendants, thus securing the legacy of a history too easily forgotten."
Theatre By Numbers - Recommended
"...Even if you don’t leave the theater with a stunning new appreciation for Sammy Davis Jr., you will probably find yourself smitten with some of Chicago’s finest singers, dancers and players.'
Stage and Cinema - Highly Recommended
"...Mr. Wonderful, the Rat Packer, Mr. Bojangles, the Candy Man — there was nothing “junior” about Sammy Davis. The latest retro reclamation by Black Ensemble Theater, Sammy: A Tribute to Sammy Davis Jr. is a pep-filled, song-packed, two-hour salute to an irrepressible entertainer. This pizzazz-packed phenom could sing, dance, act on stage and screens both large and small — and even support both Kennedy and Nixon as presidents (he died, however, a good Democrat after all)."
Let's Play at ChicagoNow - Recommended
"...We recommend that you come out and support this play to understand the life of a great performer that entertained us with such songs as "I've Gotta Be Me," "Candy Man" and "Ain't That A Kick In The Head" and "Mr. Bojangles." As well as some movie favorites as "Ocean 11" and "Robin and the 7 Hoods!""
Around The Town Chicago - Recommended
"...One thing that can be said for attending a production at Black Ensemble Cultural Center/Theater: you always leave with a smile on your face and a song in your heart! Yes, there are times that the script is not one that makes you think about life, and there are even times when the musical numbers presented outshine the story, but we go to the Black Ensemble to be entertained and learn something, and we always get that! This season has been the “Dance Theater Season”, so it is fitting that they end it with the powerful story of “Mr. Wonderful” himself. “Sammy: A Tribute to Sammy Davis Jr.”."
Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended
"...Although Daryl D. Brooks' entertaining bio-revue closes with the entertainer's unfortunate death, it ends on a high note. The ensemble enchants with their collective rendition "Mister Bojangles, the showman's signature anthem to entertainment from his later years. It's perfectly sung and stylishly choreographed, accompanied by the always brilliant Robert Reddrick's gifted seven-member musical combo. The show is costumed with pizzazz and flair by Alexia Rutherford, lit with concert style by Denise Karczewski and features projections and sound design by Aaron Quick. This warm tribute honors one of America's finest talents, a true Renaissance man of the stage, screen, TV and nightclubs, and provides a wonderfully entertaining evening for the holidays."
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Recommended
"...On the plus side, the audience could enjoy most of the Sammy Davis hit songs, especially “I’ve Gotta Be Me,” “What Kind of Fool Am I,” and “Mr. Bojangles.” There were especially strong musical contributions from Kenny Davis, Dwight Neal, Trequon Tate, and Kylah Williams. The tap dancing choreography by Rueben D. Echoles was a pleasure to see and hear, Echoles being the best dancer as well as the most natural comedian in the cast."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Recommended
"...And in a one-two punch of heart and soul comes those tasked to tribute Sammy Davis Jr. himself. Michael Adkins oozes the effervescence, charisma, and peerless dance steps that earned America’s smiles. And Kenny Davis embodies the soul of the man who stirred America’s souls. Echoing the later years of Sammy’s storied career, the aptly named Davis wears years of finesse and feeling behind his silken and sensitive phrasing."
