Review: From Doo Wop to Hip Hop

The smooth sounds from the band filled the Black Ensemble Theater as the audience anxiously waited to see the spectacular performance of From Doo Wop to Hip Hop, written and directed by Black Ensemble Theater Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor and Associate Director Rueben Echoles.

Let’s take a walk through Unison Hills where everyone is musically talented. A group of older men stood outside of their homes singing “16 Candles,” with harmony sure to make you bob your head, while four younger men came up with a more urban version called “It’s Your Birthday.”

From Doo Wop to Hip Hop tells a story about a community of people from the music industry, the older group have breathed and lived music, while the younger generation is still searching and waiting for that moment of stardom.  Everyone in the community has a tight bond until tragedy hits. This causes relationships to become withdrawn between a brother and sister, father and daughter, husband and wife and an entire community of Whites and Blacks in Unison Hills.

Each scene was incorporated with incredible vocal talent and acting. The creativity of this production kept the audience applauding, laughing and engaged in every moment from beginning to end. One of the most memorable scenes was the Hip Hop Melody. “It was all a dream; I use to read Word Up! magazine.”  Yes!  They transitioned from Biggie to Naughty by Nature. This scene brought back memories of true Hip Hop artists that kept a positive message in their music.

Without the Doo Wop there would be no Hip Hop. Of course the older group performed great classics such as “The Great Pretender,” “Our Day Will Come,” “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man,” and other great old school hits.

If you love and appreciate music, it is a must that you see From Doo Wop to Hip Hop. Bravo Jackie Taylor and Rueben Echoles, the show was amazing. Also, the entire cast, creative team and musicians did a fantastic job.  The performance will be at the Black Ensemble Theater until April 14^th, 2013. For more information or to purchase tickets visit http://www.blackensembletheater.org.