Theatre
& Stage
reviews by SalsaChicago.com critic Al Bresloff
Sing Hallelujah!
(thru December 5th)
The Chicago
Center for the Performing Arts is presenting
the Chicago Premiere of Worth Gardner and
Donald Lawrence's uplifting hit musical "
Sing Hallelujah!", a dynamic, rousing musical
revue that showcases a broad spectrum of Gospel
Music. Gospel music is very akin to "pop"
music, with the exception being the story
line- in Gospel, it is always "praising the
Lord". This production, while it does "praise
the Lord", does so with many moods and five
of the most talented singers I have heard
in a "concert style performance". From the
moment they open with "Sing Hallelujah!" until
they close with a reprise, the audience is
moved to rise, to clap, to sing along and
to feel good! That is what I get out of the
music, I feel good.
This production
is directed by Worth Gardner and the musical
director is Donald Lawrence and together they
put on one heck of a show! The five performers
are Erica Bratton-McCollough (her voice and
stamina will amaze you), Anitra Castleberry,
Russell Hinton, Candy West (the voice of a
godess) and DeWayne L. Woods (one very cool
dude) who shine in solos and who's voices
blend well together in the ensemble pieces.
They fill the Center for Performing Arts with
wonderful sounds (and the musicians are great
too). If you enjoyed " Smoky Joe's Cafe" or
"Aint Misbehavin'" you will love this one!
"Sing Hallelujah!"
will run through December 2nd at the Chicago
Center for Performing Arts located at 777
N. Green Street (Just West of Halsted and
South of Chicago Ave) with performances as
follows:
