** Somewhat Recommended I was disappointed in Black Ensemble’s new show, The Salon, a show that never found its focus. The powerful musical numbers, although very well done, really need a better story. There’s a germ of a good play there but it’s lost in all the extra story lines which appear and disappear without explanation or exploration. Unfortunately I found myself zoning out a couple of time. 2 Spotlights
The Salon, based on the true story of Sheena Marie and her salon, was written and directed by Michelle Renée Bester.
The story is set in Bernadette’s Salon, established in 1974. Stylist Momma T (Cynthia Carter) has worked there since the beginning. The staff also includes Monique (De’Jah Jervai), another stylist, who always dates the wrong man; Johnny (Vincent Jordan), the salon’s barber, always ready with a snarky comment; and Jacob (Jaitee Thomas), the shop assistant.
Apparently the shop’s been sold, but no one knows anything about the new owner. Meanwhile, customers come and go – sometimes sent off for a shampoo, never to reappear. Hustleman (Dennis Dent), a regular, has a standing appointment with Johnny. When a new stylist, Erin (Makenzy Jenkins), joins the staff, Johnny takes an instant dislike to him.
One night when the salon is closed, the new owner, Marie (RoseMarie Simmons) arrives. She takes one look at the décor – each stylist station has a mirror flanked by a row of lights on either side – and decides it’s got to go. The next day she introduces herself to the staff and shuts down for two weeks for renovations. Instead of two weeks, we got a scene change miracle, which means the stations swiveled around revealing new mirrors surrounded by different neon-colored lights at each station.
The story line left me with a lot of questions. For example – why is Marie so angry all the time? Why does she suddenly go from angry and upset to best friends with the staff? Why does Johnny hate Erin so much? Why did he suddenly change his mind and embrace Erin?
The ensemble includes Jared Brown, Raeven Carroll, Bryan Nicholas Carter, Shantina Lowe, Trequon Tate and Kendra Turner.
The Salon musicians – whom we never see – include Robert Reddrick (Music Director/Drummer/Arranger), Adam Sherrod (Keys), Myron Cherry (Drums), Oscar Brown Jr. (Bass) and Mike Dangerous (Guitar).
The Salon runs through July 28th at Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark, Chicago. Valet parking is available in the BET garage, $13 (cash only). Running time was just about two hours with an intermission. Performances are Saturdays at 3:00 & 8:00 pm, Sundays at 3:00 pm. Tickets range from $56.50-$66.50. FYI (773) 769-4451 or www.blackensemble.org.