Displaying items by tag: J Michael Wright
Review: 'Grandma's Jukebox' at Black Ensemble Theatre
Initially, I had the jitters about reviewing Grandma’s Jukebox. Obviously the show was very much about music, and I’ve just never been really into music; I’d rather be reading. I didn’t even own a stereo in college! But I love theater so I arrived at the opening with an open mind and expectations.
The first acts established the groundwork: the four grandchildren are gathered to hear their family friend Richard, a lawyer, explain Grandma B’s estate. J Michael Wright portrays Richard’s excruciatingly awkward efforts to gain acceptance into the family circle, but the others form a closed wall.
Jessica (played by Jessica Brooke Seals), as the eldest, assumes she will mount Grandma B’s matriarchal throne. She’s lost the respect of the other kids, however, by her submission to her domineering and chronically unemployed husband.
The play, written and directed by Michelle Renee Bester, is grounded in two cornerstones of African American life: family and music. Aeriel Williams as Parker gives a lovely rendition of “Song for Mama”, establishing that Parker’s overwhelming grief has silenced her, isolating her in a cocoon of mourning.
After this poignant offering, Mikey, exuberantly played by Blake Reasoner, galvanizes us with James Brown’s “I Got the Feelin’”, then he and Chris (Vincent Jordan) manage to top it with their dancing as they crank out Michael Jackson’s “Beat It”.
Vincent Jordan’s Chris bares his pain and rage in PJ Morton’s “Heavy”, revealing how he’s manacled by a gang-ridden past, particularly the shackle of being labeled ‘felon’.
The pain of these four people’s personal traumas has been ignited by their bereavement, and each acts out their pain by blaming and belittling the others. Into this crucible steps Richard, the bumbling white guy, to inform them that Grandma B’s will has a condition: no one can inherit until they undergo family therapy. Richard frosts the cake by saying he’s been trained as a ‘family mediator’ and offering his services.
The following scenes intersperse therapy sessions with conversations. Jessica confronts her shiftless husband with “Hurt Me So Good” and Mikey (he’s NOT Michael! Michael is the abusive father that Grandma B rescued him from) and Chris rock the stage with “Ball of Confusion”.
Meantime, the jukebox sits in the background, and we’re wondering why this piece of furniture has been honored by the play’s title. After all, with the support of musicians Oscar Brown Jr (guitar/bandleader), Adam Sherrod (keys), Mark Miller (bass), and Myron Cherry (drums), this cast sparkles and shines performing each number.
Then Parker is wistfully singing “I’ll be There”, when … But no. That would be telling. Suffice it to say, the jukebox earns the title.
The finale, a roof-raising ensemble performance of “Before I Let Go”, reminds us that family love is not constrained by genetics, race, or personal quibbles; a reminder we all need from time to time.
There are a couple of things I’d like to have seen highlighted more. The first couple of scenes were a bit slow, the singing not quite up to the performers’ rousing best, and the humor a bit forced. This resolved as the cast relaxed and settled into their performances, and was blown away completely when Chris and Mikey pounded out James Brown and Michael Jackson.
The playwright’s stated intention is to display ways for healing generational trauma, but the traumata explored were limited to the current generation. I think “Grandma’s Jukebox” could have delved deeper into intergenerational trauma and recovery.
The artistic team is Executive Producer Jackie Taylor, writer/director Michelle Renee Bester, Robert Reddrick as music director, and Oscar Brown Jr leading the band. The design team – Bek Lambrecht (set), and Denise Karczewski and Marquecia Jordan (costumes) showed welcome minimalism, simply dressing the room as home and the players as family, with a couple of quirks like Parker’s blankie and Mikey’s exuberant colors.
“Grandma’s Jukebox” plays through June 26 at the Black Ensemble Theatre, continuing the 2022 “Season of Excellence: Season of Healing and Joy”. If a musically torpid white girl like me can be brought out of her seat by “Grandma’s Jukebox”, then a music lover’s cup will be running over.
The Babes with Blades are a DREAM! A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
30 October 2024 in Theatre in ReviewI’ve delighted in Babes with Blades since they began in 1997, and they are never more delightful than when slashing…
Chicago Tap Allstars' Holiday Performance WINTER WONDERLAND Returns for One Performance Only - Saturday, Dec. 14
30 October 2024 in Upcoming DanceChicago Tap Allstars, a collective of Tap dance artists and organizations brought together by M.A.D.D. Rhythms and Chicago Tap Theatre, is proud to…
Steppenwolf Theatre's LEROY AND LUCY - October 24 – December 15, 2024 - World Premiere!
30 October 2024 in Upcoming TheatreSteppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation's premier ensemble theater company, is pleased to continue its 49th season with the world premiere of Ngozi…
'Into the Woods' an Exciting Musical Fairytale Mashup at Chopin Theater
29 October 2024 in Theatre in ReviewI’ll admit it: I knew little about “Into the Woods” before seeing the new production at Chicago’s Chopin Theatre. I’m…
Botanical Bedlam: Music Theatre Works' Little Shop of Horrors Thrills with Campy Delight!
29 October 2024 in Theatre in ReviewMusic Theatre Works’ Little Shop of Horrors, featuring music by Howard Ashman and a book and lyrics by Alan Menken,…
IDENTITY PERFORMING ARTS Presents Fall Concert “Embrace”
28 October 2024 in Upcoming DanceIDENTITY PERFORMING ARTS Presents Fall Concert “Embrace” World Premiere in Chicago for Two Performances Location: Ann Barzel Theater Visceral Dance Center,…
American Blues Theater to produce 23rd Annual It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!
28 October 2024 in Upcoming TheatreAmerican Blues Theater announces its 23rd Annual Production of It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! from Frank Capra's film and directed by Executive Artistic…
CHICAGO TAP THEATRE PROUDLY ANNOUNCES ITS 2024-2025 SEASON
28 October 2024 in Upcoming DanceChicago Tap Theatre (CTT) has recently returned from a successful European Tour and is pleased to announce its 2024-2025 season and…
Pericles: Royal Shakespeare Company refreshes an obscure tale at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
27 October 2024 in Theatre in ReviewThey do abuse the king that flatter him For flattery is the bellows that blows up sin These days, fireplace…
Teatro ZinZanni Presents: The LiV Warfield Xperience For One Night Only - Nov. 18
25 October 2024 in Upcoming TheatreTeatro ZinZanni, Chicago's wildly entertaining cabaret and cirque show, will open up their vintage circus tent, the Spiegeltent, to present The LiV…
Matinee added on December 9 for CHRISTMAS WITH THE KING: BRANDON BENNETT SINGS ELVIS PRESLEY
24 October 2024 in Upcoming TheatreMarriott Theatre has added a second matinee performance of the concert CHRISTMAS WITH THE KING: BRANDON BENNETT SINGS ELVIS PRESLEY…
Some Like It Hot sizzles at Cadillac Palace Theatre
24 October 2024 in Theatre in ReviewIn the midst of the bustle and busyness of several stunning song-and-dance routines in Some Like It Hot, beautifully directed…
Lifeline Theatre presents 28th Annual Fillet of Solo Festival two-week festival of storytelling performances November 8 - November 17, 2024
23 October 2024 in Upcoming TheatreLifeline Theatre presents the 28th Annual Fillet of Solo Festival, a vibrant celebration of Chicago's premiere storytelling and live lit scene. The…
Puppet shows for private audiences in living room settings: Chicago Puppet Fest's Fall Living Room Tour returns November 14-16
23 October 2024 in Upcoming TheatreThe Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival is pulling strings to raise funds this fall, offering three exclusive sneak peeks of…
Review: Remy Bumppo's 'Dear Elizabeth' at Theater Wit
23 October 2024 in Theatre in ReviewWhat a treat to have two of Evanston-native Sarah Ruhl’s plays running concurrently at Theatre Wit. Alongside the Shattered Globe…
Deliciously wicked: Evil Perfect at Bramble Theatre Company tells a familiar story in a perfectly wicked way
23 October 2024 in Theatre ReviewsAfter completing my hundredth fan fiction about the same two characters defying all obstacles and falling in love, I took…
Live immersive horror experience based on INSIDIOUS coming to Chicago
22 October 2024 in Upcoming TheatreBrace yourself for the scare of a lifetime, as the world of Insidious jumps off the screen and directly into your theater…
Bram Stoker's 'Dracula' at Brightside Theatre is the ultimate Halloween treat with just the right amount of bite!
21 October 2024 in Theatre in ReviewBrightside Theatre’s rendition of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, adapted by Stephen Dietz, captivates from the opening scene to its climactic finale.…
Dante’s ‘Commedia Divina,’ Retooled by Conspirators, Delivers Epic Laughs at Otherworld Theatre
20 October 2024 in Theatre in ReviewThe early closing of the Conspirators’ 2023 production of “Commedia Divina,” proved useful, giving this …erm … highly original company…
Mandy Patinkin & Kathryn Grody Bring Afternoon of Entertaining Conversation to the MAC Nov. 10
18 October 2024 in Upcoming TheatreThe McAninch Arts Center (MAC) welcomes back Mandy Patinkin. This time he will be joined by his wife for "A…
Royko: The Toughest Man in Chicago to return to The Chopin in November
18 October 2024 in Upcoming TheatreToughest Man Productions, Executive Producer Lecy Goranson and producing consultant Beth Kligerman announce a return engagement for the world premiere…
Review: Joffrey Ballet's US Premiere of Cathy Marston's 'Atonement' at Civic Opera House
18 October 2024 in Theatre in ReviewWhat source materials make a great ballet? Can everything be interpreted through dance? It’s a fair question when considering Joffrey…
Hell in a Handbag Productions Announces 2024/25 Season
17 October 2024 in Upcoming TheatreHell in a Handbag Productions is thrilled to announce its 2024/25 Season, featuring a fan favorite and two world premieres. Now in…
Casting announced for ANNIE at Chicago Theatre Nov. 12-Dec 1
16 October 2024 in Upcoming TheatreMadison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (MSG Entertainment), Carolyn Rossi Copeland Productions, Inc. and Crossroads Live North America today announced casting…
Handbag's 'The Golden Girls Meet The Skooby Don’t Gang: The Mystery of The Haunted Bush' a hilarious adventure not to be missed!
15 October 2024 in Theatre in ReviewI look forward to every Hell and a Handbag production - because I know they’re always a great time. The…
Embracing Vulnerability: Goodman’s Heartfelt 'Primary Trust' Highlights the Power of Not Being Okay
15 October 2024 in Theatre in ReviewEboni Booth’s 2024 Pulitzer Prize-winning drama Primary Trust is a deeply introspective and bittersweet exploration of abandonment, routine, and the…
Love Me, Love Me: The Love Object brings back the drama of bubblegum pop at Raven Theatre
14 October 2024 in Theatre in ReviewThe Y2K era was a wild time to be a girl. Bubblegum pop juxtaposed against futuristic silver-scaled sets, female artists…
Try To See It Their Way: Milo Imagines The World at Chicago Children's Theatre
13 October 2024 in Theatre in ReviewHave you ever jumped on a crowded L train and wondered just why there were so many people on it?…
THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER On Sale
12 October 2024 in Upcoming TheatreThe Hip Hop Nutcracker returns to Broadway In Chicago, playing at the CIBC Theatre from December 10 to December 15, 2024.…
TUTA Theatre to stage Thornton Wilder's THE LONG CHRISTMAS DINNER November 26 - December 29
12 October 2024 in Upcoming TheatreTUTA Theatre has announced it will stage the infrequently produced Thornton Wilder drama THE LONG CHRISTMAS DINNER for the 2024…
Latest Articles
-
The Babes with Blades are a DREAM! A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Written by Sarz MaxwellI’ve delighted in Babes with Blades since they began in 1997, and they are never more delightful than when slashing and sauntering their gender-flouting way through Shakespeare. Apt, that: MAGA really should condemn all the Bard’s works as rooted in… -
Botanical Bedlam: Music Theatre Works' Little Shop of Horrors Thrills with Campy Delight!
Written by Kimberly KatzMusic Theatre Works’ Little Shop of Horrors, featuring music by Howard Ashman and a book and lyrics by Alan Menken, is the ultimate Halloween and fall musical for cult hit fans. This spooky, yet fun production captures the essence of… -
Chicago Tap Allstars' Holiday Performance WINTER WONDERLAND Returns for One Performance Only - Saturday, Dec. 14
Written by Buzz Center StageChicago Tap Allstars, a collective of Tap dance artists and organizations brought together by M.A.D.D. Rhythms and Chicago Tap Theatre, is proud to announce the return of “Winter Wonderland,” Saturday, Dec. 14 at 1 p.m. at the Harold Washington Cultural Center, 4701 S.… -
Steppenwolf Theatre's LEROY AND LUCY - October 24 – December 15, 2024 - World Premiere!
Written by Buzz Center StageSteppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation's premier ensemble theater company, is pleased to continue its 49th season with the world premiere of Ngozi Anyanwu's Leroy and Lucy, a bluesy and seductive play with music, directed by Awoye Timpo, playing October 24 – December 15, 2024 in Steppenwolf's…
Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.