Cecil Washington Jr. plays the title role in "The Sam Cooke Story," an original musical at the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe celebrating the life and career of the pop and soul singer. DON DALY PHOTO/WBTT
From the moment Cecil Washington Jr. opens his mouth to sing “A Change is Gonna Come,” you know you’re in good hands (and voice) for his leading performance in the world premiere of “The Sam Cooke Story” at the Westcoast Black Theatre.
He gets the Cooke sound and spirit close enough to the real thing in that opening number that you almost continue to hear it throughout the show, even though Washington’s pleasant voice is a bit deeper. That powerful song effectively sets you up for all the music still to come.
This show — more concert performance with a biographical thread — tells the story of the too-short life of the pioneering gospel singer who became a crossover pop and soul sensation in the late 1950s and early 60s before he was gunned down under mysterious circumstances at age 33 in 1964.
The challenge of bringing 'Sam Cooke Story' to the stage
The script by director Nate Jacobs, his brother Michael Jacobs and author B.G. Rhule (“One More River to Cross - The Redemption of Sam Cooke"), is light on details about the singer’s life and business career. It serves essentially as a framework and a reason to introduce nearly two dozen wonderful songs that Cooke wrote or made famous, most of them performed by Washington as a soloist with occasional backup from the ensemble.
From left Ashley D. Brooks, Joel Patrick Harris, Jeffrey Cason Jr., Leon S. Pitts II and Cecil Washington Jr. in "The Sam Cooke Story" at the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. DON DALY PHOTO/WBTT
While building a huge fan base as a singer, Cooke also launched his own record label, but we don’t learn much about the artists he worked with. There is slightest hint that his shooting may have had something to do with conflicts over the record label and/or his refusal to bend to Jim Crow laws when he performed in the South.
And the script glosses over his two troubled marriages, which were mistakes because he was always in love with Dot Holloway, but their timing was off.
It all moves quickly from point to point to allow for some fine performances by Washington, with his own powerful and soulful sound, of such hits as “You Send Me,” “Cupid,” “Wonderful World,” “Chain Gang” and “Another Saturday Night,”
They all sound terrific here in the vibrant production that Jacobs has staged with choreography by Donald Frison and the support of a wonderful band led by musical director James E. Dodge II that adds to the buoyant fun.
Cecil Washington Jr., left, and Carmilla Harris in a scene from the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe production of "The Sam Cooke Story." DON DALY PHOTO/WBTT
The script doesn’t give the cast much depth of character to work with, but there’s some fine work by Joel Patrick King as Sam’s brother, Charles, and a few touching moments between Washington and Carmilla Harris and Ashley Brooks as the women in Cooke’s life. Brooks and Harris, as rivals, also sing a rousing version of the Aretha Franklin song “Ain’t No Way.”
The cast also includes Ariel Blue as his mother, Leon PItts II as his preacher father, and Jeffery Cason Jr., Michael Mendez, Walter Price and Rafael Petlock in multiple roles, which are occasionally overplayed to distinguish the different characters.
Donna and Mark Buckalter have created an effective set of a permanent platform for the band, and quickly moved furnishings to take us to different locations. Cristy Owen’s costumes suit the characters and the times, and Nick Jones’ lighting has a bright tone and clear focus when needed.
It’s safe to assume that most people know far more about Cooke’s music than his life. This new musical may not teach you much more than the basics, but it provides some perspective on the music that still resonates decades later.
THEATER REVIEW
"THE SAM COOKE STORY"
Written by Nate Jacobs, Michael Jacobs and B.G. Rhule. Directed by Nate Jacobs. Reviewed March 5, Westcoast Black Theatre, 1646 10th Way, Sarasota. Through April 9. Tickets are $38, $27 for students and active military. For more information: 941-366-1505; westcoastblacktheatre.org
