Spirited tribute to Ray Charles warms the night

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The dancers keep the stage sizzling.

By GUY D'ASTOLFO

VINDICATOR ENTERTAINMENT WRITER

YOUNGSTOWN — Do not let the bitter cold keep you inside the house tonight: Ray Charles' spirit is in town.

"I Can't Stop Loving You," the stage celebration of the life and music of the man known as "The Genius," opened a two-night stand at Powers Auditorium on Monday.

The musical revue, which got its start in London's West End, covers 37 songs that span the great one's career.

Short narratives between the medleys introduce the music and shed light on the rags-to-riches life of Charles. Born poor in 1930 Georgia, blind by age 7, he went on to become one of the most beloved and influential musical forces of the century, merging blues, gospel, country, rock and soul into a sound that was distinctly his own.

Six vocalists and 10 dancers are backed by a full orchestra, replete with grand piano and tuned up like a Rolls Royce — smooth for cruising, with power to spare.

The costumes and stage evoke another era, one of classy nightclubs where the men wore pinstripes and the women strutted in slinky dresses.

Looking sharp is one thing. Hearing Ray's music belted out by soulful voices is another. But it's the dancers that elevate this show into the steamy, sexy bash that it is.

It's all about glittery girls shakin' a tail feather, doing some dirty dancing. You got a problem with that?

Music

And you don't have to be familiar with Charles' songs to enjoy it. Shoot, chances are you've heard every one of these classics anyway.

There's "I Got A Woman," which the hip-hop crowd will recognize as the sample over which Kanye West laid his smash rap song "Gold Digger." Not to mention "Mess Around," "Minnie the Moocher," the stunning "Fever," "Hit the Road Jack" and of course, "What'd I Say."

The vocalists do their part by capturing the nuances that made Charles' songs so universally beloved, like the air of resignation inherent in Chris Murrell's every move when he belts out "I Can't Stop Loving You."

Do yourself a favor and get there tonight. Monday's crowd was thin, and plenty of seats remain for the final show.

Yes, it's going down to 8 degrees tonight. Better wear summer clothes.

"I Can't Stop Loving You" will be performed tonight at 7:30 at Powers Auditorium. For tickets, call (330) 744-0264.

Tuesday, February 6, 2007