In Aurora, a spectacular tribute to the blues features four stellar performances
Blues in the Night, currently on stage at the Aurora Fox Studio Theatre, is a musical revue that showcases the songs of blues and jazz legends such as Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington, Johnny Mercer and Harold Arlen. Making it come alive, under the direction of Terrell Davis, are four immensely gifted blues singers/performers – Alicia “Lisa” Young, Yasmine Emani Hunter, Steph Holmbo, and Leonard Barrett. Because of their brilliant interpretation of the blues and singing no fewer than 26 songs, Blues in the Night registers as a near-seismic event on East Colfax Avenue.
Blues in the Night opened on Broadway in 1982 and ran for a mere 13 previews and 53 performances. So, what is it about this revue that finds its way to Denver in 2023 and straight into our laps as 90 incomparable minutes of musical heaven? Speaking to the depths of our souls, Blues in the Night captures a host of emotions that many of us may have experienced at some point in our lives, so bringing it to us today makes perfect sense.
Set in a rundown hotel in 1938 Chicago, the revue touches upon the lives of three women who are given monikers that aptly describe their current life station, including “The Lady from the Road” (Young), “The Woman of the World” (Hunter), and “The Girl with a Date” (Holmbo). And in comes “The Man in the Bar” (Barrett) who has reportedly done them all wrong.
‘Blues in the Night’ plays at the Aurora Fox through Oct. 8 | Photo: Gail Bransteitter
There is little dialogue, and the entire flavor of the performance rests upon singing the blues. And boy do they sing it! Expressing their sadness, sorrow and troubles in life through music, every song is a winner. Some of the highlights include Hunter’s “Lush Life,” Barrett’s “I’m Just A Lucky So-and-So,” and Young’s “Kitchen Man.” All three women close out the first act with an impressive “Take It Right Back,” while the entire company finishes the evening with “Four Walls.”
Directing his first show at Aurora Fox, Davis has made a triumphant debut. Widely recognized as a premiere choreographer and dancer, Davis has received numerous awards along the way. His direction of Blues in the Night demonstrates that he is well prepared to tell the full story with a strong vision intact, and he has woven together a story with four fully developed characters —each with distinct personalities that register completely from start to finish using the blues as the songbook.
Playing a red-hot piano during the performance, Trent Hines is also the music director for Blues in the Night. Hines is a Henry-nominated music director/pianist/conductor who brings to the table years of experience with various theatre companies in Colorado. His work with this production has garnered first-rate musical performances that fill the space with emotion-packed lyrics. Also worth mentioning are the other two unnamed musicians who accompany the performance on string bass and percussion.
The theatre space has been transformed into seedy hotel rooms, each having seen better days, with the utmost care by Brandon Case, scenic designer. Linda Morken, costume designer, has dressed the four characters with attention to detail and personalized accouterments. It is a strong physical presence that supports the action of the piece.
Blues in the Night is a treat to behold. It is supremely entertaining from start to finish and provides 90 solid minutes of a genre that many of us may never have fully been exposed to.
Leave A Comment