Chicago Sun Times
- Highly Recommended
"...Where previous BET productions entertained and educated, "Legends" entertains and confronts - the element of pretend is gone. Written and directed by Taylor, the production doesn't filter the dialogue through music superstars. It delivers it via direct address, straight at the audience, often with the house lights partially up and the actors addressing each other by name."
Chicago Reader
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Perhaps I wouldn't call this show a musical, but instead a combination history lecture, racial justice workshop, personal essay, and musical revue with lackluster choreography, using storytelling elements strangely reminiscent of John Mulaney & the Sack Lunch Bunch, although the tones could not be further apart. As a whole, Legends feels like it's in the early stages of being something great. If you're a fan of joining a lively audience to enjoy some exceptional vocalists—and you don't mind a work in progress—it's worth seeing."
Stage and Cinema
- Highly Recommended
"...With leather lungs and expansive warmth, Dwight Neal and Dawn Bless are splendidly showcased as the "guides" who proclaim many second chances to rise above racism. There can be solidarity in diversity, Legends maintains. Perversely and unwittingly, haters sacrifice their precious freedom precisely because they cut themselves off from the world."
Let's Play at ChicagoNow
- Recommended
"...Legends will ruffle some feathers and hits hard at racism and discrimination, but that its goal. It also peels back the hardship with love and understanding, trying to get people of hate to see that we are all the same regardless of our complexion."
Around The Town Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...With our world being in a "racism" and "discrimination" mode, Ms Taylor and her "ensemble" members have created an original story to open its 2020 season. The title may get you, but it tells its own story. "Legends The Musical: A Civil Rights Movement, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow", a bold journey that may bring you down at times, but when the ensemble tells the story of its "healing" process, you will find yourselves feeling better and learning a great deal about the world of those who have been affected by racism, discrimination of any type and how we as a people can learn from our history and go forward, never allowing this type of behavior to exist."
Chicago Theatre Review
- Recommended
"...This new musical revue by Jackie Taylor is uniquely different from the usual Black Ensemble Theater fare. It's entertaining while being educational, motivational and, sometimes, a little uncomfortable to experience. Theatergoers of all ages and races will find this to be true. Our Guides for the evening, the incomparable Dwight Neal and Dawn Bless, tell us upfront that there may be some pain, but that it's necessary for the healing to take place. Ms. Taylor's superb company of actor/singers each has his individual moment to shine; but then they take a step back into the ensemble and offer their support to the next performer. The confrontational moments of truth may, indeed, shatter our comfort zone, but they're balanced by some glorious music and proclamations of shining hope."
Picture This Post
- Recommended
"...This show, like most if not all Black Ensemble Theater productions, recommends itself by assembling top shelf vocal talents. It's unlikely anyone who goes to this show will leave thinking anything other than that they are all the real McCoy. If you are of a progressive mindset, and need to periodically find nourishment by hanging with kindred spirits, this LEGENDS THE MUSICAL is a top pick for your time."
