Bustin’ Out

You Can’t Fake the Funk

They often say that everything old is new again. Well, in celebration of Black Ensemble Theater’s dazzling and impressive 50th anniversary this exuberant, exciting musical revue has rediscovered, refreshed and recast to become a much-applauded, brand new production all over again. While a company of gloriously gifted singers, dancers and musicians were pouring their hearts out to entertain the audience, most of the theatergoers were leaping out of their seats, clapping, singing and dancing along. The performance was like being at a huge, happy block party, where the fun never stops “Bustin’ Out”!

Doing what the much lauded Black Ensemble Theater always does better than anyone else in Chicago, Daryl D. Brooks, once the producing managing director—now the company’s newly appointed and well-deserved Artistic Director—wrote and directed this dazzling, ebullient and inventive show nine or ten years ago. The production then was wonderful and it’s even better today. YOU CAN’T FAKE THE FUNK has been revived, refreshed and refashioned into one of the most magical evenings of theater playing in the Windy City. Anyone taking a casual stroll past the theater on Clark and Sunnyside will quite likely observe the theater building rocking right off its foundation. 

When searching for a title for his new revue, Mr. Brooks may have been inspired by the title of an album by the Funk group, Parliament. He uses the metaphor of a spaceship from their “Mothership Connection” recording, as a means to imaginatively transport the audience through time and space. The show takes the audience back to a world where Funk music was king. Along the way, tribute is paid to many of the important African American musical artists, from the 1960’s through the early 1980’s. 

The musical is hosted by a fictional character appropriately named Dr. Funk. Portrayed by Black Ensemble audience fan favorite, the multitalented and high spirited, Dwight Neal, the narrator of the revue is a glitzy, glittery, intergalactic alien. The nine talented actor/singer/dancers, as well as the seven magnificent musicians in this production, breathe so much infectious joy into this production. Bringing to life an array of exciting soulful musical legends, singing and playing almost three dozen hits from the archives of Funk, this is a show that will bring every theatergoer profound happiness.

In the late 1960’s, African American musicians began creating a rhythmic, danceable new form of music that combined soul, jazz, rhythm and blues. They called it Funk. One particular singer, the brilliant entertainer James Brown, is credited with writing and recording the first song of this new genre. It would grow beyond simply being a novelty or a trend and ultimately blossom into its own unique style. Today, Funk music continues to hold an important place in American pop culture.

The show begins with the fabulously talented ensemble all rocking out to Funkadelic’s greatest song, “One Nation Under a Groove.” Then we meet the Father of Funk, James Brown (beautifully played by Darrow Richmond), singing two of his hit tunes that are credited with inaugurating the Funk Music scene: “Please, Please, Please” and “Cold Sweat.” Next, Dr. Funk helps us transition to Sly (portrayed nicely by Johnathon Lee) and the Family Stone, with “I Want to Take You Higher,” “Soul Clappin’” and one of the best songs of the evening, “Dance to the Music. That rockin’ number inspires the audience to get up and dance in the aisles!

From there we move on to the Ohio Players and their winning songs, “Fire,” “Skin Tight” and the brilliantly choreographed “Love Rollercoaster.” The undisputed Queen of Funk was, and continues to be, Chaka Kahn (portrayed with sensual style by Miciah Lathan). Written by Stevie Wonder, Rufus and Chaka Kahn, “Tell Me Something Good” became a smash hit in 1974, with its unique use of the guitar talk box. Then The Commodores captured America with their funky, 1977 

number one song, “Brick House.” Daryl Brooks created an entertaining revue that wisely provides more music than memoir, although the backstory of how this song was born is fascinating. Next we visit the Gap Band for their 1982 electro-funk achievement, “You Dropped the Bomb on Me.”

The first act concludes with a salute to the musical group that was declared to be “one of the greatest bands ever”: Chicago’s own, Earth, Wind & Fire. Rolling Stone Magazine called the group, “innovative, precise, yet sensual.” The musical group’s sensational dance numbers, “Let’s Groove” and “That’s the Way of the World” bring us to the intermission, with a rousing, ensemble-driven rendition of “September.” 

Act II opens with a choreographed musical montage from the movies that includes Isaac Hayes’ theme from “Shaft,” Curtis Mayfield’s pulsating “Superfly” and Rose Royce’s throbbing dance tune, “Car Wash.” From there we segue to the catchy “Let It Whip,” the biggest hit song recorded by the Dazz Band.” Artist Rick James (masterfully portrayed by JAITEE), who was known for his shoulder-length dreadlocks and tight bellbottoms, is represented with a medley  of his top tunes, including “You and I,” “Bustin’ Out” and his engaging hit, “Super Freak.” 

We next pay a visit to the popular 1980’s all female group called The Mary Jane Girls, for their smash hit, “In My House. Then we pay a visit to the group who called themselves Cameo (led by the wonderful Darren Patin) to hear their two top tunes, “Candy” and “Word Up!” Bassist and singer, Bootsy Collins (played by Brandon Lavell) presents his winning hit, “I’d Rather Be With You,” followed by the Brides of Funkenstein’s knockout hit, “Disco to Go,” as well as George Clinton’s 1982 top-selling, “Atomic Dog.” These songs all serve to warm up the audience up for the grand finale: Parliament’s bouncy “Give Up the Funk” and the dazzling hit tune, “Flashlight,” performed with everyone flashing their cell phone lights all over the theater.

In addition to Daryl D. Brooks’ topnotch direction, the show features Robert Reddrick’s always masterful musical direction. His astounding, seven-member onstage band is Las Vegas calibre. Choreographer extraordinaire, Christopher Chase Carter, whose impressive talent with dance and movement has taken him to many other Chicagoland theaters, makes this production pulsate with pep and pizzazz. Talented Denise Karczewski skillfully utilizes a large turntable as a major component of her creative, spaceship-inspired scenic design. The performers, mic stands and a keyboard appear and disappear through what resembles a stylized airline baggage claim. Ms. Karczewski’s dazzling lighting design and DJ Douglass’ superb moving projections combine to highlight the production. Bob Kuhn has outdone himself by creating the most spectacular and glittering wardrobe of colorful and captivating costumes, enhanced by period wigs by Dawn Bless, that transform each performer into a different character in mere minutes.

In addition to the devilishly delightful Dwight Neal, as the hilarious Dr. Funk, the talented ensemble includes Black Ensemble Theater veteran performer, Vincent Jordan. He’s joined by JAITEE, Johnathon Lee, Miciah Lathan, Brandon Lavell, Darrow Richmond, Darren Patin, Britt Edwards and Jordon (JO) Taylor.

YOU CAN’T FAKE THE FUNK is one of Black Ensemble Theater’s finest musical productions ever. Written by newly named Artistic Director Daryl D. Brooks, and directed with sophisticated style, this show is the most excellent, exciting and exhilarating show that’s guaranteed to bring audiences to their feet. No theatergoer will be able to sit quietly when in the company of this magical, magnetic salute to Funk music. If the music doesn’t set your feet a-tapping, your hands a-clapping, and your body a-swaying, with every theatergoer “Bustin’ Out,” you might want to check your pulse: You may not be alive!

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented September 5-October 25 by Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark, Chicago.

Tickets are available at the box office, by calling 773-769-4451 or by going to www.blackensemble.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com

Photos by Alan Davis