“That’s What Friends Are For”
By Cate Rees-Hessel
Just when you think Jackie Taylor’s Black Ensemble Theater can’t bring another show stopper to the stage, they do just that. “That’s What Friends Are For” is absolutely fabulous. The story of a Vegas reunion concert by the grand dames of music, Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick, and Patti LaBelle, this original work is brilliantly written and directed by the legendary Daryl D. Brooks; his genius is apparent in every production he writes or directs.
Robin K. DaSilva’s vocal arrangements are completely unsurpassed. In addition to the title song, musical numbers include “Oh Happy Day”, “I Heard it Through the Grapevine”, “R-E-S-P-E-C-T”, “What the World Needs Now”, “Neither One of Us”, “If I was Your Woman”, “Could It Be I’m Falling in Love”, “Then Came You”, “I Know I’ll Never Love This Way Again”, “You’re the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me”, “Midnight Train to Georgia”, and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”. The set is exquisite – classy furniture with a well stocked bar and individual dressing room doors for the iconic females complete with large scale headshots of the actual artists projected on the back of the stage, designed by the talented DJ Douglas. Gregory Graham’s costumes are beautiful, just the right amount of glitz and glam, and the wig work by Keith Ryan is both credible and top notch. Sound and lighting designs by Sean Alvarez and Denise Karczewski, respectively, are first rate. I really enjoyed Tanji Harper’s clean and precise choreography.
As always, the music is stellar, vocals incredibly strong. The first act ends with a high energy number by the Mature Patti LaBelle, exquisitely played by Tamara Batiest – her vibrant performance brought the house down. Rose Marie Simmons as the Mature Gladys Knight is a blessing, an incredible actress with a lovely voice. Making her BET debut as Mature Dionne Warwick is the beautiful and very talented Sybyl Walker – she has an excellent voice and lots of stage presence. Black Ensemble favorite Dwight Neal gives a flawless performance as the immortal Luther Vandross. Mr. Neal brings perfection to the role that he was meant to play – Luther is smiling down from above. Dwight can play any character with integrity and distinction.
The young divas are beautifully played by Bri Buckley, Courtney Driver, and Michaela Dukes respectively. The male roles, covering multiple parts including “The Pips” and “The Drifters”, are exquisitely brought to life by Trequon Tate, Dennis Dent, and Jaitee Thomas. Micheal Santos makes a stellar BET debut as Burt Bacharach – he is believable and realistic. The Black Ensemble musicians high above the stage are energetic, upbeat, and superlative. This show is not to be missed; the very best in original musical theater is always brought by this prodigious and dynamic company. “That’s What Friends Are For” bursts with energy and excellence; the ladies are only in the house, though, through July 27th; for tickets or more information, please see blackensembletheater.org.
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