Reviewed by Suzanne Angeo (member, American Theatre Critics Association; Member Emeritus, San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle), and Greg Angeo (Member Emeritus, San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle)
Photos courtesy of Sean Carter Photography
Jameela Leaundra, Parnell Damone Marcano, Jackey Good, Angela Birchett
Lady Sings the Blues, Steals the Show
Continuing their 56th season, Meadow Brook Theatre offers a sizzling musical revue that should appeal to just about anybody that likes music. While “Blues in the Night” doesn’t have much dialogue, it more than makes up for it in spirit and feeling, expressed through 27 classic songs delivered by four talented performers. Chosen from among the best of the Great American Songbook, this music represents the genesis of popular music today. Director Tyrick Wiltez Jones says: “…if it weren’t for Blues, the music we listen to today wouldn’t exist. Pop, country, jazz, gospel, hip hop, rock and the list goes on.”
Conceived by American theatre director Sheldon Epps, with vocal arrangements, musical direction and orchestration by Chapman Roberts and Sy Johnson, “Blues in the Night” was first presented off-Broadway in 1980, then on Broadway in 1982. It went on to nods for a number of awards, including a Tony for Best Musical, and a Lawrence Olivier Award for Best New Musical on London’s West End.
(clockwise from front left) Jameelah Leaundra, Jackey Good, Parnell Damone Marcano, Angela Birchett
The setting: It’s 1938 Chicago, birthplace of the blues. There’s a depression on, President Roosevelt is in office, and war looms in Europe. Three lonely ladies, all in separate rooms, and a lone gent, hanging out in the bar, are at a cheap hotel reminiscing about past lives and loves, good and bad. Songs tell the story, from “Blue Blues” (by Bessie Smith) to “Taking a Chance on Love” (from the iconic musical “Cabin in the Sky”) to “Lover Man” (made famous by Billie Holiday) to “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out” (also by Bessie Smith).
The characters are presented as archetypes: The Woman (Jameela Leaundra), with lots of experience and bitter memories; The Girl (Jackey Good), very young, very hopeful, very disillusioned; The Lady (Angela Birchett), world-weary and wise-cracking, with fond memories of her life onstage and the men in her life; The Man (Parnell Damone Marcano) all smooth moves and a good line, looking for his next conquest.
Angela Birchett
While the cast is excellent both as an ensemble and as individual performers, the real standout is Birchett, through her stage presence, body language and powerful voice. She is funny, sophisticated and raunchy. Plus she has some of the best lines – and songs! When she sings “Kitchen Man” you sure know what’s cookin’.
The band, led by Musical Director Brian E. Buckner on piano, is worth the price of admission, more than just an accompaniment or backup. With Russ Macklem on trumpet, Don Platter on sax, Jackson Stone on bass and Louis Jones III on drums, they could have a regular gig in any of the best clubs in town. A special shout-out to costume designer Karen Kangas-Preston who provided some of the most gorgeous dresses ever for the lucky ladies in the show.
Nicely staged and choreographed by Director/Choreographer Tyrick Wiltez Jones, with great lighting (Neil Koivu) and set design (Kristen Gribben), “Blues in the Night” is thoroughly entertaining, pleasing in sight and sound. You can just sit back, relax, and enjoy some of the best music of the past 150 years.
Now through March 12, 2023
Tickets $37 to $46
Meadow Brook Theatre at Wilson Hall
Oakland University
378 Meadow Brook Rd
Rochester Hills, MI 48309
(248) 377-3300
www.mbtheatre.com
A special note: As Covid-19 is a constantly changing situation, MBT will be monitoring and adhering to the guidance given by the CDC, the State of Michigan, the Actor’s Equity Association, and Oakland University. Check the Meadow Brook Theatre website at www.mbtheatre.com for the latest information on efforts to keep everyone safe.
This theater operates under an agreement between the League of Resident Theatres and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers of the United States. The theater operates under the agreement with the International Alliance of Theatre Stage employees, Local 38.
Meadow Brook Theatre’s season is supported in part by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Kresge Foundation, the Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation, the Shubert Foundation and the Meadow Brook Theatre Guild.
