“BLUES IS THE ROOTS” — NOW PLAYING AT PITTSBURGH PUBLIC THEATER.
by Genea L. Webb
For New Pittsburgh Courier
The Blues are the roots of all music, all American music. New Horizon Theater audiences will get the chance to learn about the history of Chicago’s Chess Records and the life and times of Willie Dixon, one of its most prolific songwriters and side musicians, in the musical, “Blues is the Roots.”
“This is an important story to tell. His story is important because he created the Chicago Blues sound and he created amplification which allowed musicians to ‘plug in’ the sound, the energy and the beauty of the music,” said “Blues is the Roots” director, Herb Newsome. “Willie Dixon was the first person to do that. The music was beautiful and then white artists claimed ownership of it, stealing it. Willie was also the first person to sue for that. His story of bravery and influence needs to be told. I think if it wasn’t for Willie, there would be a lot of artists who wouldn’t be able to own their music.”
Dixon, who died in 1992, wrote or co-wrote over 500 songs and played the upright bass and the guitar. Many of his songs have become Blues standards and his songs, “Little Red Rooster,” and “I Just Want To Make Love To You,” were covered by the Rolling Stones. Dixon was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1980.
“Blues is the Roots” was written by Charles Dumas, Dixon’s great nephew. It is a labor of love for Dumas and Newsome, who are friends.
“I was trying to help get the show up five years ago, so when New Horizon Theater needed a show, I told Joyce (Meggerson-Moore) that I had the perfect show. This show is a fun opportunity for the theater and the Pittsburgh community,” Newsome said.
“Blues is the Roots” will run until Feb. 18. The performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m,. with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. The show will run at Pittsburgh Public Theater, 621 Penn Ave., Downtown.
In addition to learning about Dixon’s life and the creation of Chess Records, theatergoers will be treated to some amazing renditions of some of the Blues’ biggest hits including Little Walter’s “My Babe,” and songs by Chuck Berry, Etta James, Howlin’ Wolf, and Koko Taylor.
New Horizon Theater chairperson Meggerson-Moore said she’s sure that the historical aspect of the production combined with the musical selections in the show will be a win-win for her audiences.
“2013 was the last time New Horizon Theater did a musical,” Meggerson-Moore told the Courier. “Doing a musical takes a lot because the actors have to be diverse in singing, acting, and dancing. Many of the actors in the production are performing multiple roles. We’re happy to have this musical and to be telling a true story. Charles Dumas wrote it and is telling it from the family perspective, and that’s good, too. Willie Dixon was 6’2” and 250 pounds. He was an imposing figure.”
“Blues is the Roots” cast members are: Willie Dixon, portrayed by Sam Lothard, Michelle Bankhole (Etta James/Marie); Kevin Brown (narrator Lionel/Howlin’ Wolf, Otis Rush); Mils James (Little Walter, Chuck Berry, Sonny Boy Williamson); Lance Joos (Jim/Mick Jagger); Jenny Malarkey (recruiter/Sara); Cole McGlumphy (Leonard Chess/ Crush); Nickolas Page (Muddy Waters); Angelique A. Strothers (Daisy/Koko Taylor).
According to Meggerson Moore, there are four different parking lots in the vicinity where people can park. Tickets are $35 general admission; $30 seniors aged 65 and up; students aged 16 and up are $20. Group discounts available for groups of 10 or more attending the same performance. Tickets can be purchased by calling 412-431-0773 or visit www.newhorizontheater.org.
“We’re doing the show for two weeks instead of our usual three weeks. We are having the Thursday shows to compensate for not having a third week,” Meggerson-Moore said. “We hope that people will come out and help get the word out. We have a rich background as Black people. I’d like for us to get a sense of our history not just in music, but in everything. People know the songs, but they will walk away with a history of the songs and a story well-told.”
Tickets: https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/new-horizon-theater/.
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