Rick Stone The Blues Man at BET

The Blues Man: Review Summary

“Rick Stone The Blues Man” at the Black Ensemble Theater is a jukebox musical starring Rick Stone and six seasoned blues singers backed-up by an awesome house band led by the very talented Robert Reddrick on drums.

You feel like you happened to wander into a vintage blues club. The cast enters casually from the back of the house and with the ushers greet everyone saying, “Welcome to Rick’s.” On stage is a small bar, and few tables available as V.I.P. seating.

Rick Stone is the M.C. sharing bits of his own life story and prompting the action centered around the life drama of some of the club’s “regulars.” Rick’s good friend Dwight has an eye for the young ladies, though his current relationship is complicated by the fact that he is married. Kelvin is battling demons of his own, Cynthia is simply trying to enjoy life while the others use Rick’s Place to escape the realities of home and using music to express their emotions. Hey, it’s the blues, man.

Stone’s foggy voice compliments his charming demeanor. Thirty-three songs make up the two-act old-school blues set-list that you’ll enjoy during this cabaret production.

Rick Stone the Blues Man is written and directed by Black Ensemble Theater Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor

Featuring: Rick Stone, Dwight Neal, Theo Huff, Rhonda Preston, Cynthia Carter, Kelvin Davis, and Lamont ‘Harmonica Man’ Harris.

Creative Team: Daryl Brooks (Production Manager), Denise Karczewski (lighting), David Samba (sound), Kylah Frye (Choreography), Jackie Taylor (costumes), and Evelyn Danner (Wardrobe Assistant).

Musicians: Robert Reddrick (drums) Mark Miller (base), Gary Baker (guitar) and Adam Sherrod (piano).

Dates: July 14 – August 26, 2018

Location: Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street, Chicago

Box Office: Buy online at www.blackensemble.org or call (773) 769-4451

———————————-

Reviewer Reno Lovison is Executive Producer at ChicagoBroadcastingNetwork.com you can read the complete review at ChicagoTheaterandArts.com