You Can’t Fake The Funk
Black Ensemble Theater continues its 50th Anniversary Season with the revival of the hit musical revue, You Can't Fake the Funk: A Journey Through Funk Music, and it's totally Funktastic! Written and directed by Daryl D. Brooks, with Assistant Director Qiana McNary, this musical, with Jackie's blessing, should groove its way onto Broadway or potentially off-Broadway. The funkadelic show featured psychedelic music, funky costumes, big Afros, bellbottoms, roller skating, and platform shoes. The two-act musical extravaganza took us back in time with funky costume dance moves that had you grooving in your seats, beginning with 'One Nation Under A Groove.' The cast's infectious energy filled the entire theater; their vibrant performances lit up the stage. They clearly enjoyed themselves, and their performances were so captivating that I felt the audience would jump on stage and join the lively funk celebration. For a dazzling 2 hours and 10 minutes, we were transported into a realm of pure magic, where every song and dance seemed to bring out the soul of funk.
Energetic, funkadelic melodies and infectious rhythms reverberated throughout, and each song sparked a wave of excitement, prompting smiles, singing, and even spontaneous dancing. The atmosphere buzzed with electric joy and celebration. With 28 exhilarating songs, Brooks guides us through a musical genre featuring legends like George Clinton, Sly Stone, James Brown, The O'Jays, Earth, Wind & Fire, The Gap Band, Rick James, and Curtis Mayfield. They also paid homage to Bootsy Collins and Parliament-Funkadelic, Curtis Mayfield, and Isaac Hayes, who provided the funky sounds in the Blaxploitation films Shaft, Superfly, and Car Wash.
Dwight Neal (Dr. Funk) leads the cast, with an ensemble that includes Vincent Jordan, Britt Edwards, Jaitee Thomas, Miciah Lathan, Jordan Taylor, Darrow Richmond, Darren Patin, Johnathon Lee, and Brandon Lavell. Understudies include Blake Dupree and Kentrell Dawson. In captivating narration by the talented Neal, Dr. Funk invites you on an unforgettable journey. Neal's outstanding performance laid the groundwork for a stimulating evening of non-stop entertainment. His ability to engage the audience and bring them into the funk fest party was also impressive. He also rocked those platform shoes. The entire cast was remarkable, captivating the audience with breathtaking performances that seamlessly blended both singing and acting. There's a plethora of amazing performances: Darrow Richmond as James Brown. Brandon Lavell (Boosty Collins), Jaitee (Rick James), Vincent Jordan (Maurice White), Darren Patin (Larry Blackmon), and the ladies Britt Edwards, Jordan Taylor, and Miciah Lathan as The Mary Jane Girls, with Lathan also performing as Chaka Khan and Taylor performing as Gwen Dickey (also known by the stage name Rose Norwalt), who sang the song "Car Wash."
Black Ensemble's storytelling is always extraordinary, providing detailed narratives about each artist. Denise Karczewski's stage design was stunning, and Bob Kuhn's costumes were amazing. Christopher Chase Carter's choreography added his magic touch and brought exciting dynamism that left the audience spellbound with the actors' funky moves. Music Director Robert Reddrick and his band, Adam Sherod (Keys), Oscar Brown (Guitar), Charles "Chip" DuBose (Guitar), Walter Harrington (Bass), Mark Allen Felton (Sax), Bill McFarland (Trombone), brought the funk by performing classic songs such as "Dance to the Music," "Skin Tight," "Brick House," "September," "Shaft," "Give Up the Funk," "Love Rollercoaster," "Let's Groove," "You Dropped the Bomb on Me," "Word Up," "I'd Rather Be With You," "Car Wash," "Candy," "Bustin' Out," "Atomic Dog," and the grand finale, the theatrically performed "Flashlight!"
This is an absolute must-see musical experience! It's captivating from start to finish. If you like funk soul, be prepared to be blown away by an unforgettable show that combines stunning visuals with an energetic atmosphere, leaving you longing for more!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER
YOU CAN'T FAKE THE FUNK (A JOURNEY THROUGH FUNK MUSIC)
Written and directed by Artistic Director Daryl D. Brooks
Now - October 25, 2026
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