Chicago Tribune
- Recommended
"...As choreographed by Christopher Chase Carter, the atmosphere is ebullient, especially during the Earth, Wind and Fire medley that closes Act 1. And you might just learn a thing or two about the genre: Did you know the Gap Band took their name from the initials of the streets where they lived? Or that the Commodores all met as freshman at what's now Tuskegee University? Or that Earth, Wind and Fire evolved from quality time with astrological mysticism?"
Chicago Reader
- Highly Recommended
"...In real life, funk was co-opted early: by 1976, "Love Rollercoaster" was in heavy rotation at cafeteria dances in my 99 percent white Wheaton junior high. Whether you understood and embraced funk's rebellious attitude early or took a few decades to catch on, there's no denying the power of the funk deployed at BET. As this cast proves, you can't fake funk. Either you've got it, or you don't. This ensemble does, in all its eye-popping freakazoid glory."
Stage and Cinema
- Highly Recommended
"...Taking us as far from death as is humanly possible, some shows just reward you for being alive. In perhaps their most joyous musical celebration yet, the 43-year-old Black Ensemble Theater continues its “Legends and Lessons” season with a major party: You Can’t Fake the Funk (A Journey Through Funk Music) is a splashy, sassy, good-time jubilation."
Let's Play at ChicagoNow
- Highly Recommended
"...Let's Play 'Highly Recommend' "You Can't Fake The Funk. If you're looking to get your groove on to some hip music where everything and everyone is groovy, 'The Mothership' of funk has landed at Black Ensemble Theater; Ya' Digg!"
Around The Town Chicago
- Recommended
"...Director Daryl L. Brooks, who has been well -trained by Black Ensemble’s creator, Jackie Taylor, has written the current production, “You Can’t Fake The Funk ( A Journey Though Funk Music) “, now on the stage at BE located at 4450 N. Clark Street. This is the theater that Jackie built and a Chicago treasure ( as is Jackie) thru September 22nd.
“You Can’t Fake The Funk” etc, is a journey thru time, taking us back to the 1950’s and moving us towards the end of the 1990’s."
WTTW
- Recommended
"...The fast-paced show – with Dwight Neal serving as Dr. Funk, the droll, swashbuckling emcee – unspools in chronological order, with very little talk other than brief introductions of the songwriters and performers, and a few words about the city of their origin and what they contributed to the funk style – the music that became “One Nation Under a Groove.” (Apologies to George Clinton.)"
Chicago Theatre Review
- Highly Recommended
"...In what will be remembered as one of Black Ensemble Theater’s finest musical revues, Daryl D. Brooks has written and directed an excellent, exhilarating show that’s guaranteed to bring audiences to their feet. No theatergoer will be able to remain quiet and serene while watching this magical, magnetic salute to Funk Music. If the tunes don’t set your feet a-tapping, if the beat doesn’t set your body bending and bopping, you’d better check your pulse: You might be dead!"
Chicago Theater and Arts
- Somewhat Recommended
"...This is not a great theatrical event. But it is an entertaining show-lounge style cabaret performance that will be thoroughly enjoyable for those looking to experience it as a nostalgic revue."
Picture This Post
- Highly Recommended
"...If you're a lover of all things funk, it's a given that this experience is a must -- if only to see a performance of Rick James one can simply not (and wouldn't want to) unsee! This reporter says bring a friend and enjoy the ride."
