The world of musical theatre has a new addition, and it's a tribute to the legendary Chaka Khan, the fierce soul diva. While the story of her life and career is undoubtedly captivating, the jukebox musical 'I'm Every Woman' falls short of the mark, lacking the X factor that would elevate it to greatness. The show, starring X Factor winner Alexandra Burke, attempts to encapsulate Khan's remarkable journey, but it's a challenging feat that doesn't quite hit the right notes.
The first half of the musical is a whirlwind, rushing through Khan's early life with a frenetic pace. From her father's drug problems to her involvement with the Black Panthers and her eventual decision to become a singer, the story moves at a breakneck speed. While this approach might be seen as a necessary compression of her eventful past, it leaves little room for the audience to truly connect with the character. The use of celebrity impersonations, from Joni Mitchell to Prince, attempts to fill the gaps, but they feel more like distractions than meaningful additions to the narrative.
Burke, as Chaka Khan, brings energy and youthfulness to the stage. Her portrayal of the young Khan is energetic and vibrant, but when it comes to vocals, she faces an uphill battle. The challenge is evident in her attempts to replicate Khan's iconic hits like 'Ain't Nobody' and 'Tell Me Something Good'. While she makes a valiant effort, her voice lacks the power and resonance that Chaka Khan's vocals are renowned for. The ballad 'Through the Fire' is a telling example, where three singers are needed to mimic Khan's key-jumping agility, highlighting the difficulty of the task.
Director Racky Plews' staging is a bright spot, utilizing immersive projections and a talented ensemble. Ashley Stroud shines as Khan's bold younger sister, Taka Boom, adding a layer of humor and energy to the show. However, the second half of the musical takes a different turn, and the pace and music seem to disappear.
The second half of the musical focuses on Khan's later years, including her work as the 'Queen of Funk' in the 1980s. While the opening number, 'I Feel for You' penned by Prince, is a raucous and energetic start to the interval, the remaining hour meanders through less memorable moments. The show chooses to highlight Khan's charitable foundation work and her efforts to go independent, rather than her artistic achievements. The emotional reunion with her estranged daughter in rehab feels rushed and fails to evoke the intended pathos.
In my opinion, 'I'm Every Woman' is a musical that serves its music more than its story. While it attempts to capture the essence of Chaka Khan's life, it falls short of the mark. The show's pacing, vocal challenges, and focus on less memorable moments leave something to be desired. Perhaps the musical could have benefited from a more nuanced approach, allowing the audience to truly appreciate the complexity of Khan's life and career. Nonetheless, it's a tribute to a legend, and in that sense, it's a noble effort, but one that could have been more impactful.
