The Time Machine - A Tribute To The 80's

Published in 1895 by H.G. Wells, The Time Machine was a science fiction hit about time travel using a vehicle or device to journey forward or backward through time. In 1960, George Pal adapted Wells's book into a film starring Rod Taylor, Yvette Mimieux, and Alan Young, and it was a major box-office success, winning an Oscar for special effects. Written and Directed by Daryl D. Brooks, The Time Machine, A Tribute To The '80s, with his magnificent storyline, outstanding singers, catchy, captivating melodies, and infectious rhythms, will be Black Ensemble Theater's box office hit.  

Focusing on the theme of great 80s groups and lead singers that catapulted a new era in music and were the backbone of what inspired today's singers, Brooks dropped the mic with a Who's Who list on great 80s music that had the audience clamoring for more. The story is narrated by Thee Ricky Harris, who plays Uncle Mike, an eccentric inventor with a knack for creating gadgets that never seem to work. When his nephew Derrick, played by Brandon Lewis, is tasked with writing an essay about the music from the '80s, Uncle Mike cranks up the time machine that takes him and Derrick on a journey through the '80s. We see the two characters' hilarious interactions as they navigate the assignment. As a music enthusiast, Derrick tries to tell Uncle Mike about the significance of his music being better. However, Uncle is about to school the youngster that the transformation of his music started in the 80's — and we get a chance to join them on a journey filled with laughter, craziness, and amazing nostalgic music. Harris and Lewis were outstanding, and their chemistry and wit made this musical a must-see. But all of the singers in this musical were outstanding. 

The cast of The Time Machine: A Tribute To The '80s includes Jared Brown, Jaitee, Micah Alyce, Britt Edwards, Vu, Isaac Roy, Ama Kuwonu, Ben Izlar Jr, Isaiah Engram, Trequon Tate, Miciah Lathan, Vincent Jordan, provides a two-hour performance that's out of this world. Other than a couple of mic issues, I thoroughly enjoyed this musical. It was a musical blast! You definitely get your money's worth with songs like, Back To Life, When Doves Cry, Head To Toe, Jungle Love, I Want Her, Kurtis Blow, The Breaks, I Go to Work, Ladies First, Oh Sheila and Da Butt featuring Prince, Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam, Morris Day, Shiela E, Debarge, Keith Sweat and Al B. Sure. If you love music, you will love hearing these songs during the two acts, which feature 17 songs in Act One and 23 in the second act. Black Ensemble (BET), known for their remarkable ability to narrate the history of music and musicians, was phenomenal in sharing how groups joined and departed, with one group that split but never broke up. This new cast of stars displays that a bright future is ahead for BET. I applaud Jackie Taylor for opening her doors to talented individuals like Brooks, Christopher Chase Carter, who Choreographed this production, and rising star Michelle Renne Bester (GrandMa's Jukebox), demonstrating the Black Ensemble is back in the theater game.  Kudos to Robert Reddrick (Music Director), Denise Karczewski (Set and Lighting Designer), Marquecia Jordan (Costume Design), DJ Douglass (Sound Design), Anthony Churchill (Projections Design), Keith Ryan (Wig Designer), Harrison Ornelas (Technical Director) for adding their unique touch to this fantastic performance.

With its soulful vocals, timeless melodies, and heartfelt lyrics, BET's The Time Machine: A Tribute To The '80s is a thrilling roller-coaster ride you don't want to miss. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Black Ensemble Theater

The Time Machine: A Tribute To The 80s

Written and Directed by Daryl D. Brooks

Choreographed by Christopher Chase Carter

Extended to May 12, 2024

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