A Taste Of Soul

Black Ensemble Theater (BET) has a hit musical, A Taste of Soul, a tribute to the evolution of Soul music and our love for soul food. Director Daryl D. Brooks invites us to experience how Soul music has transformed from its Gospel roots to pop culture with songs from some of Soul's greatest hit makers like Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, and Lou Rawls to singers like Barry White, Gladys Knight and duets from legends like Peaches & Herb, Ashford & Simpson - A Taste of Soul provides a full course meal of great songs with an appetizer of fun and laughter. 

But A Taste of Soul is more than just an appetizer - it's a high-energy, electrifying musical that transports you to an era when the passion of the performers was so contagious fans would jump to their feet, dancing and singing along to the classic tunes - and with a night filled with iconic moments, legendary performances, relatable storylines that resonated with the audience, and a fantastic choice of songs, this musical has it all.  Founder Jackie Taylor, who has shared her talents and wisdom and opened the BET doors to the Producing Managing Director, has struck lightning with Brooks, who continuously comes up with exceptional plays. Brooks perfectly blends our historical love of food and music with engaging the audience, allowing them to interact with the cast. 

The show begins with Chef Ricky(Thee Rickey Harris) and Chef Qiana (Qiana McNary), who invites us back down memory lane with a taste of soul food and music—assisting the chefs where sous chefs Vincent, Trequon, Spencer, Caitlin, Britt, Makenzy, Percy, Laron and Brandon. As each chef and sous chef took to the stage, reminiscing about a memorable family feast and the songs placed, the audience gleefully commented and sang along. 

I'm a fan of Thee Rickey Harris, who sparkles in any role he plays, and Qiana McNary has a charismatic and captivating personality and an amazing voice. With regulars Vincent Jordan, Trequin Tate, and Brandon Lewis, the cast features Spencer Davis Milford, Makenzy Jenkins, Percy Nesbary III (excellent guitar performance as George Benson), and, making her BET debut, Caitlin Dobbins. LaRon Jones did an amazing Barry White; however, my favorite was Britt Edwards's performance of Simply The Best by Tina Turner— and the ending with Kool and the Gang is a phenomenal celebration within it.  

The Taste of Soul is an exuberant celebration you don't want to miss. It is an enjoyable musical experience.

4 STARS ****

Black Ensemble Theater

A Taste of Soul

Written and directed by Daryl D. Brooks

September 3 - October 15, 2013