20-Feb-22 – Women of Soul, with a special tribute to Aretha, is the best celebration of women vocalists to ever grace the Chicago stage.

Told by a series of vignettes with the actors serving as both narrator and entertainer, this powerhouse of performances brings the house down. The high-energy revue, featuring classic to contemporary, is playing now through March 6 at the Mercury Theatre in Chicago.

With the songs of trailblazers like Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, Janis Joplin, Gladys Knight, Diana Ross, Donna Summer, and more, in solo songs and medleys, this musical showcases eight talented female artists and one man, singing an entire collection of legendary music.

Songs include I Say a Little Prayer, I Will Survive, and Respect. The revue takes it a step further to recognize the struggles and triumphs these women went through to reach the pinnacle of their success. Together, these female artists represent a range of music from blues to jazz to rock and of course, soul. Unfortunately, some of these divine divas got caught up in a cycle of drug/alcohol abuse mixed with depression and they left us too soon. All we have of them now is their legacy and fabulous hits to look back on. (Left) Aeriel Williams, who has also appeared in six episodes of The Chi, belts it as Diana Ross.

It is written and directed by Daryl D. Brooks, who first produced the show at the Black Ensemble Theatre in 2018.

“This feel-good revue is being given an exciting new life and the chance to be seen by new audiences at Mercury Theater Chicago,” said Brooks. “The production is a tribute to iconic female artists. Audiences will celebrate these artists, performed with love and passion by Chicago’s favorite performers.”

What is so amazing is these actors actually rival the performances of the stars they seek to emulate in both voice and movement.

Standouts include Jerica Exum as Whitney Houston, Colleen Perry as Adele, and Jessica Seals as Etta James, who hammers every beat. (Right) Jerica Exum sings Whitney Houston.

Mention must be made of veteran ensemble member Rhonda Preston, who captures every nuance of Natalie Cole beautifully in This Will Be (An Everlasting Love). Cynthia Carter wows with a combination of power and pizzazz on Tina Turner’s Simply the Best.

The cast also includes Robin DaSilva, Hannah Efsits, Dwight Neal, and Aeriel Williams.

But the pièce de résistance is the grand finale that highlights the musical career of the “Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin, who paved the way for all female artists and for which all of the artists are grateful. The standing ovation at the end of the show was well deserved.

Kudos must be given to Rueben Echoles for his outstanding costume design and accompanying jewelry. The women were all dressed in glittery, elegant, gorgeous ball gowns that made the stage so bright you almost needed sunglasses.

Also on the creative team for Women of Soul are Robert Reddrick (Music Director), Christopher Chase Carter (Musical Staging), Angela Weber Miller (Scenic Designer), Denise Karczewski (Lighting Designer), Carl Wahlstrom (Sound Designer), Max Maxin IV (Video Designer), and Rachel West (Master Electrician).

Tickets for Women of Soul start at $35 and are on sale now at the Mercury Theater box office at 3745 North Southport Avenue.

COVID protocol: Audience members are required to provide proof of vaccination either with a physical copy of the vaccination card or on a smartphone. Guests 18 years and older must present a government-issued ID such as a driver’s license or passport. All patrons must wear a mask throughout the performance when not actively eating or drinking, regardless of vaccination status.