We take a look at what is being said about the musical based on the Queen of Funk’s life.
The Guardian: “Director Racky Plews’ staging is nimble, making use of immersive projections, while the ensemble boasts a comic star in Ashley Stroud, as Khan’s bolshie younger sister, Taka Boom.”
The Reviews Hub: “The money is plainly on the stage; you can see it in the design, and you can feel it across a running time of very nearly three hours.”
Broadway World: “Ashley Stroud shines as Chaka’s sister Taka Boom, whose energetic performance of Life Is A Dance accompanied by striking red and gold fan choreography, provides another memorable visual spectacle.”
The Standard: “Some artists’ life stories can carry a musical but on this evidence, Chaka’s can’t.”
London Theatre.co.uk: “Directed by Racky Plews, the production never quite decides what it wants to say. Is this a redemption arc for Khan? Does it simply give us a picture of her at each stage of her life? Or is it merely a way to shoehorn as many of her songs in as possible, however unconnected they may feel?”
All That Dazzles: “There is certainly a good show lurking somewhere in I’m Every Woman – it just isn’t in this current version. The show has been in development for a while, and I even caught a workshop performance of it several years back. I saw the potential then and I still see the potential now, despite a completely different book that has its own challenges. There are moments of brilliance to be found, such as their creative take on ‘Ain’t Nobody’ but these moments are buried under an abundance of perplexing decisions and conflicting visions.”
Theatre & Tonic: “Burke excels as Chaka Khan – a huge sing, but her vocals are on-point from start to finish. In the supporting cast, Sophie Earl sounds absolutely stunning as Joni Mitchell, and Chrissie Bhima is scene stealing in her role as Yvette’s drug-enabling conscience.”
WhatsOnStage: “There are, in fact, suggestions that there might be a better musical labouring under all the layers of muddle. Sara Perks’ sets, Natalie Pryce’s costumes and Buckloop’s video designs effectively conjure different scenes of life and society from the 1960s onwards: the Black Panther meetings where Khan comes under the influence of Fred Hampton; the wide open green vistas of the California hill; the stages that flick past as Khan establishes her fame on tour with Rufus and descends into drug dependence at the same time.”
London Theatre Reviews.co.uk: “Chaka Khan’s catalogue is undeniably legendary, but stunning songs alone cannot rescue a show with no emotional heart.”
London Theatre 1: “There is a reason, however, why certain tunes in Chaka Khan’s back catalogue are popular, and they are performed in this production to a high standard. Alexandra Burke in the lead role does the musical numbers justice. In the end, though, it’s a show that could do with some trimming, and a bit more showing instead of telling.”
The Stage: “New musical about legendary singer Chaka Khan is a well-meaning mess.”
Lou Reviews: “You will enjoy the songs, but the show could easily survive a trim in running time – it is currently 2hr 45 – by deciding which story it really wants to tell. Several plot threads here could be a show of their own.”
Fairy Powered Productions: “Alexandra Burke delivered a performance that truly embodies the spirit of Chaka Khan, capturing not only her unmistakable powerhouse vocals but also the confidence, charisma and stage presence that have defined Chakas legendary career. Burke brought authenticity and emotion to the role, which allowed us to connect with the passion and resilience behind the songs, she paid tribute to Chaka Khan whist showcasing her own exceptional talent as a performer.”
The Upcoming: “Though this production feels rushed at times, the story that it tells is beautiful. And, of course, it is absolutely impossible to hear I Feel for You without wanting to break out into dance.”
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