Rashun Carter, Christian Denzel Bufford, Gregory Stewart Jr., RJ Griffith in “Reasons: A Tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire” at Black Ensemble Theater/Photo: Aaron Reese Boseman
RECOMMENDED
What makes a tribute show work? Watch “Reasons” and learn while swaying, clapping, cheering and ultimately rising to your feet to dance and sing. Some of the sauce isn’t so secret. Black Ensemble Theater’s paean to Earth, Wind & Fire, one of the world’s all-time top-selling supergroups, has the musical chops the theater company has long delivered. The voices, singing solo and ensemble, and the band are predictably superb. Yet, it’s the flush of joy that makes this show soar. It’s one of the best of many I’ve seen at BET. It avoids the secondhand weirdness of weaker tribute shows, especially the tired and overproduced ones sent by bus and truck from Broadway, where the genre is a staple. The sets at BET may be meager by comparison, the dancing may not dazzle as much, and the costumes don’t cost thousands. Yet, this cast and this band truly love the music, they’ve found the heart of their source material.
Christian Denzel Bufford in “Reasons: A Tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire” at Black Ensemble Theater/Photo: Aaron Reese Boseman
Like other recent shows at BET, “Reasons” was written and directed by Daryl D. Brooks. It still has the overtly hokey, predictable stage-bio schtick that is a BET hallmark, but Brooks has streamlined the formula to highlight the music. Against all expectation, I wanted more information and insight into the life and creative process of Maurice White, the genius who created and drove the group. White is played engagingly by two actors, Christian Denzel Bufford as the older artist and RJ Griffith as the younger. Gregory Stewart, as the heartthrob high-voiced Philip Bailey repeatedly moved the audience to stand and wave.
This is a cast to love back. The pared-down plot goes light on the usual litany of artist angst and struggle and bitter battles against racism that BET often puts on view. Nevertheless, I found myself deeply moved, probably because the cast connected so well with the stirring music. Or as Maurice White might say, its “cosmic connection.” White’s music for Earth, Wind & Fire was a conscious amalgam of styles meant to both highlight the diversity of Black music and to bring people together. It may be the boomer in me talking, but the idiosyncrasies seem part of what gives the music its timeless sound. The BET show works for all ages, and seems to make even mature theatergoers bounce and belt. The group that is heir to the original Earth, Wind & Fire band is still touring. In early August it will open for Lionel Richie at the United Center. Judging by the recent clips on YouTube, they’re going to bring a big kit and rompin’ cast of their own, but it’s hard to imagine that show will exceed the intimate charm, heart and joy of “Reason.” Don’t miss it.
“Reasons: A Tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire” at Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 North Clark, (773)769-4451, blackensembletheater.org. Through April 30.
