Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...The show worked far better at Black Ensemble, frankly, partly because musical director Robert Reddrick’s band there was both larger and visible to the audience and the physical environment worked better than it does at the Mercury, where it is being staged essentially on the set for the previous show. But if you’re more than ready for some belted soul anthems, the moon is rising your way."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...Each of the cast’s eight women get to embody multiple musical icons, and while none of the performances are full-on vocal impressions — this is no Vegas impersonator showcase — they’re all impressive. The actors manage to invoke the feel of distinctive singers like Etta James, Anita Baker and Amy Winehouse without papering over their own vocal talents."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...If you’re looking for respite from the slush-bound, gawdawful doldrums of February (and who isn’t?), Mercury Theater Chicago offers a scorching-good respite in Women of Soul. Rebooting the show they debuted in 2018 at Black Ensemble Theater, writer/director Daryl D. Brooks and musical director Robert Reddrick don’t shy away from taking on the tunes that are indelibly associated with artists who only need one name: Aretha. Mariah. Dionne. Whitney. Tina. Janis."
Stage and Cinema - Highly Recommended
"...The show concluded with a medley of songs paying tribute to the undisputed “Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin. Each songstress getting a moment to shine on tunes like “I Say A Little Prayer,” “Respect,” “You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman,” “Chain of Fools” and “I Knew You Were Waiting.” A fitting ending to a really fabulous showcase. My review of this revue? It’s a must see. This collection of talent under one roof doesn’t happen often. With maestro Daryl D. Brooks at the helm, this Soul is setting sail for greatness."
Let's Play at ChicagoNow - Highly Recommended
"...I'm a product of the '60s and 70's music, so I enjoyed Women of Soul. However, one criticism is when I hear others singing these songs, I like the vocals to be as close to the original singer to get that feeling of "That's My Jam," which I didn't feel with some of the songs. But that doesn't take away the overall performance in this musical tribute. You will have a blast hearing these classic songs honoring some of the most remarkable women of Soul."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Looking for something sizzling hot on a cold winter's night? "Women of Soul" will have you clapping your hands, stomping your feet, snapping your fingers, and rocking in your seats in a one-of-a-kind performance that stirs us with songs that come to everybody's lips. This revue of ninety decades of female black artists features songs from some of the most influential vocalists in the twentieth century. We listen to the likes of Donna Summer, Tina Turner, Diana Ross, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Anita Baker, Dionne Warwick, Whitney Houston-and the names go on and on!"
WTTW - Highly Recommended
"...It would be unfair to single out any particular performance here. Suffice it to say that there are eight stunning star turns in this pantheon of women as they sing many of the many fabled singers' defining hits. The truth is, you might well leave the theater wondering why these actresses are not famous in their own right."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...Audiences who love these songs, and the singers who made them popular, from both the past and present, will relish this scintillating, two-hour musical revue. Anyone who enjoys the soulful sounds of the American Songbook, beautifully directed and exquisitely performed by a stellar company of singers and dancers, costumed like a hot Las Vegas nightclub act, this is a must-see production. It's guaranteed to put a smile on your lips and a melody in your heart, as it raises the temperature and melts the snow along Southport Avenue."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Highly Recommended
"...From the purest pop whistle tones to the earthiest blues howls; from the uplift of the club to the exaltation of the spirit; writer-director Daryl D. Brooks and music director Robert Reddrick blaze a century-long trail of joy, sweat, tears, and millions upon millions of 45s. He’d be nothing, though, without his women. In alphabetical order, those would be: Cynthia F. Carter, Robyn K. DaSilva, Hannah Efsits, Jerica Exum, Colleen Perry, Rhonda Preston, Jessica Brook Seals, and Aeriel Williams. Brilliant impersonators, every one of them (aided and abetted by Rueben D. Echoles’s costumes and wigs), who also bring just enough of an individual touch to mark them as talents to follow. Talents for whom to fashion original material, perhaps."
Third Coast Review - Highly Recommended
"...Women of Soul would not be complete without the Queen of Soul—Aretha Franklin. She left an indelible imprint on soul music that came directly from the church and could sing anything and make it soar. All of the women in the cast do a medley of greatest hits that brings the house down. It was best saved for last and like Aretha, the music lifted everyone higher."
PicksInSix - Recommended
"...So there is a kind of celebration going on right now at the Mercury Theater on Southport Avenue in the Lakeview neighborhood-one of talent and accomplishment and camaraderie. Director/writer Daryl D. Brooks has brought a tribute to soul music and, specifically, the women in that world who shared it, appropriately entitled "Women of Soul." Indeed, the Mercury Theater itself becomes a marvelous venue with its double staircase onstage and multi-level performance areas, designed by Angela Weber Miller, which elegantly disguises the excellent four-piece musical ensemble conducted by percussionist Robert Reddrick."
Loop North News - Highly Recommended
"...Women of Soul, with a special tribute to Aretha, is the best celebration of women vocalists to ever grace the Chicago stage."
BroadwayWorld - Highly Recommended
"...The show concludes with a crowd-pleasing Aretha Franklin medley, and it's a fitting conclusion to a show that's all about providing joy to audiences and showcasing some of the most powerful women in music history. WOMEN OF SOUL delivers the kind of high-energy tribute that makes up the best kind of revue, and the songs are irresistible."
NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...A Soundtrack to America: A Review of “Women of Soul with a Special Tribute to Aretha”
FEBRUARY 9, 2022 AT 7:00 AM BY TED C. FISHMAN
The cast “Women of Soul”/Photo: Brett Beiner
The hard working, supremely gifted cast of “Women of Soul” give their all in this tribute show to the soul-singing singing machines that have given the world a soundtrack to America since around the time the first boomers began to play with radios. How omnipresent have the tunes and their original artists become? Leaving the show opening night around 10pm, a friend and I looked for a quick bite. We stumbled into a Mexican grill on North Clark and on the big screen TV and blasting over the restaurant sound system was a vintage video of Gloria Gaynor singing “I Will Survive,” one of the artists and songs just honored on the stage. More soul vid songs from the show followed."
