Past Shows & Reviews
I’M A SOULMAN REVIEW
LONDON CITY MUSIC THEATRE, JULY 24, 2009
By: Richard Young
Those lucky enough to be in attendance for the opening night of the hit musical comedy, I'm a Soulman, at the London City Music Theatre last night witnessed a show unlike anything that has graced this city's stages in quite some time.
From the time Geoff and Chris Dahl (Elwood and Jake Blues) and company literally hit the stage running until they left it two hours later to an enthusiastic standing ovation and cheers, the fast-paced production had audience members clapping their hands, singing out responses and moving and grooving. When Jake Blues (Chris Dahl) asked "Is everybody having a good time?" audience members repeatedly responded with a resounding “Yes” – and they really meant it.
The production, which runs through until August 9, is a goldmine for anyone familiar with blues, R&B and Motown standards like "Flip, Flop and Fly," "Under the Boardwalk," "Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag," "Respect," "I’ve Got My Mojo Working," and of course, the show’s signature tune, the old Sam and Dave classic, "I’m a Soulman." London's Denise Pelley lights up the stage as Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, while Frank Rondell delivers a sampling of Ray Charles' standards including "Mess Around" and "Georgia On My Mind." Pelley and Rondell join forces for a spirited version of "Hit the Road Jack." London musicians Doug Varty and Duncan Grant on guitar and keyboards respectively round out a killer band anchored by R&B legend Prakash John on bass and his son Jordan on drums. A three piece horn section that includes Scott Edwards, Mike Polci and Ron Walker gives the band a full brassy sound sorely missing on the Bluesfest London stage last week. All the cast members and musicians appeared to be enjoying themselves immensely onstage and their enthusiasm was contagious for the audience.
The music alone is worth the admission charge, but when you throw in the improvised humour of the Dahl brothers and audience interaction and add the energetic choreography and costumes of Da Wowzers, the three dancers who give a whole new meaning to the song, "Shake a Tail Feather," you've got an entertainment package that is sure to please all age groups. Word of mouth is sure to guarantee the Dahl brothers a return on the substantial investment they’ve made in bringing I'm a Soulman to London for its Canadian premiere.
Indeed, this is the kind of show that many people will want to come to see a second and maybe even a third time during its three week run.
