In the second half, this show about soul music, food and memories takes a personal turn.
Caitlin Dobbins and Percy Nesbary III in “A Taste of Soul” at Black Ensemble Theater.
If you leave Black Ensemble Theater’s “A Taste of Soul” without humming the chorus, “Celebrate good times, come on,” all the way home, you might be immune to the joy of live music. On Sunday afternoon, the latest jukebox musical from the Uptown-based theater had audience members clapping, singing and dancing in their seats from early on, culminating in this feel-good finale from Kool & the Gang.
Written and directed by Daryl D. Brooks, this world premiere is structured as a cooking show, and viewers are meant to be a live audience in a TV studio. Hosted by head chefs Qiana and Ricky with an ensemble of sous chefs, the show explores the history of soul music and celebrates the power of both music and food to bring people together.In the first act, the hosts use soul food recipes to introduce a series of soul artists; for example, peach cobbler is the lead-in to the duo Peaches and Herb.
Marquecia Jordan’s costumes and Keith Ryan’s wigs capture the artists’ iconic looks, mostly staying within a color palette of black, silver and gold with just the right touch of glamour for each performer. The set and lighting, both designed by Karczewski, straddle the clean simplicity you might find on an actual cooking show and the bold colors and flashy lights of a live concert.
“A Taste of Soul” is part of Black Ensemble Theater’s “2023 Season of Excellence,” which is subtitled, “Rejuvenation.” According to founder and CEO Jackie Taylor, the theme of rejuvenation ties together productions that aim to “reignite the passion, excitement and energy of returning to the vibrancy and vitality” of live theater. Considering the diverse group of people who were clearly having a blast at the opening performance, I’d say this show fits the bill.
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