One Name Only
Written and Directed by Rueben D. Echoles
BET Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark (map)
thru Nov 11 | tickets: $55-$65 | more info
Check for half-price tickets
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‘One Name Only’ a good idea gone long
Black Ensemble Theater presents
One Name Only
Review by Lauren Whalen
The reality show is queen in today’s culture, and “American Idol” is the most successful of on-air talent competitions – wannabe stars belt and fight it out for the chance to chase their dreams. Black Ensemble Theater’s original production of One Name Only plays on this concept, following eight divas who leave their personal lives behind to cover the greats (Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight and Beyonce among them) for the almighty recording contract. Though One Name Only’s script is amateurish and the pacing slow, the singing voices are stellar and the reality-show format an entertaining crowd-pleaser.
One Name Only features the weekly reality show broadcast (encouraging audience participation) with additional backstage drama, video clips and an audition sequence. The result is rather bloated, as the show runs two and a half hours, a good hour longer than a lighthearted musical revue should go. The production values are stellar – kudos to costume designer Ruthanne Swanson, scenic designer David Ferguson and video designer Michael Stanfill – as is the score, featuring Franklin, Knight, Tina Turner and a special tribute to the late Whitney Houston. However, director Rueben Echoles’ script is amateurish, with almost zero characterization and dialogue that sounds unnatural. Echoles may have fared better by only showing the television broadcasts, as One Night Only’s strongest aspect is its singing.
 
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And, yes, the singing is wonderful. Beasley’s gorgeous voice fills the large space without overpowering, especially when she covers Beyonce’s “Work It Out”. Spencer is all wide eyes and subtle emotion – her rendition of Knight’s “Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me” is one of the show’s highlights. Edwards’ “I Will Always Love You” is stunning, and Bless steals the show as Patti LaBelle, with a hilarious and overdramatic “Over the Rainbow”. Though he doesn’t sing much, Thompson is a pleasure to watch in a humorous departure from the title role in last spring’s The Marvin Gaye Story.
Black Ensemble Theater embraces its lovely, large new space with vibrant musical productions that elicit vivacious audience response. One Night Only follows this pattern, showcasing fabulous vocals and sterling performances. If only the script were whittled down, the production may come closer to perfection.
Rating: ★★★
One Name Only (A Different Kind of Reality Show) continues through November 11th at BET Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark (map), with performances Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 3 and 8pm, Sundays 3pm. Tickets are $55-$65, and are available by phone (773-769-4451) or online through Ticketmaster.com (check for half-price tickets at Goldstar.com). More information at BlackEnsembleTheater.org. (Running time: 2 hours 30 minutes with intermission)
Photos by Danny Nicholas
artists
cast
Lisa Beasley (Tanika); Jerica Exum (Miko); Dawn Bless (Gran, Patti LaBelle, Aretha Franklin); Lydia F. Brown (Jacqueline); Candace C. Edwards (Marylin); Ta-Tynisa Wilson (Kara); Deborah Spencer (April); Ninah Snipes (Lisa); A’rese Emokpae (Mya); Katrina V. Miller (Gladys Knight, Tina Turner, Secretary); Lyle Miller (Benard); Brandon Markell Holmes (Vincent); Terry Francois (John); Rashawn Thompson (Sam); Dwight Neal (Lenard); Jessica Moore (Ensemble)
band
Robert Reddrick (musical director, arranger, drums); Bill McFarland (trombone); Paul Howard (trumpet); Herb Walker (guitar); Mark Moultrup (keyboard); Tracey Anita Baker (bass); Dudley Owens (tenor sax)
behind the scenes
Rueben Echoles (director, writer); Denise Karczewski (lighting); Les Spires, Mike Pierce (sound design); David Ferguson (set); Ruthanne Swanson (costumes); Helen Lattyak (props); Michael Stanfill (video); Danny Nicholas (photos)
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