“Did they just change the beat up on me?” Kanysha Williams asked the audience in a flirty, pseudo-shocked manner before launching into “Mr. Big Stuff, who do you think you are?” This playful banter set the tone for Signature Theatre’s I’ll Take You There, a celebration of the iconic Stax Records Co. Under the direction of Sean-Maurice Lynch and music director De’Anté Haggerty-Willis, tthe evening was filled with good vibes, high energy, and crowd interaction. However, emphasis on audience participation occasionally detracted from the vocal presentation, with Williams, despite her charm and talent, often taking a backseat rather than standing as an equal with her co-star.
The singers Isaac “Deacon Izzy” Bell and Kanysha Williams interweave stories about Stax Records and personal anecdotes, which adds valuable context. For one, Stax Records is credited with breaking down racial barriers and creating a unique, integrated sound in soul music, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement. However, while Williams opens up about herself beautifully (shares about her alma mater and reflections on her journey to the stage), we get little insight into Bell’s perspective beyond his discussion of Stax. Earlier integration of these personal stories, particularly in introductory numbers, would have added an emotional layer and grounded their performances.
A key highlight was “Woman to Woman,” where Williams delivered a heartfelt, raw performance that captivated the audience, as did Bell in “Blue Monday.” Songs like “I’ll Take You There” and “Hold On, I’m Comin’” brought the house down with their raw power. Initially dressed in patterned tops, Williams and Bell later reappear in black leather jackets and aviators during “Theme From Shaft” — an homage to the artist Issac Hayes, who made several appearances in the same get-up.
However, despite their energy, the balance between them felt uneven. Bell comes off as a hype man rather than an artist and his dominant presence often overshadows Williams. Their call-and-response exchanges and crowd-pleasing exclamations worked beautifully for interactive numbers like “Walkin’ the Dog,” which had the audience on their feet and created a fun, concert-like vibe. However, over time, some songs began to blend together, with little stylistic variation that could have added needed depth and texture. For example, “Try a Little Tenderness” could have benefitted from a more sensual, understated approach to truly capture its emotional core.
The band was, without a doubt, the backbone of the show. With dynamic arrangements and skillful solos, they elevated the night, capturing the essence of Stax’s sound. Their exceptional musicianship added depth to the storytelling, and an extended solo section would have been a welcome addition to let their talent shine even more.
In the end, I’ll Take You There is a spirited tribute to Stax Records, bringing its legacy of soul, unity, and cultural impact to life. While the production could benefit from more balance and subtlety in performance, it remains a lively homage to the iconic label, reminding us of music’s power to unite and uplift.
Running Time: Approximately 75 minutes, no intermission.
I’ll Take You There: Stax Records Co. plays through November 24, 2024, in the ARK Theatre at Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA. For tickets ($46) call (703) 820-9771 or purchase online. Information about ticket discounts is available here.
I’ll Take You There: Stax Records Co.
Director of Cabarets: Mark G. Meadows
Directed by Sean-Maurice Lynch
Music Directed by De’Anté Haggerty-Willis
