Cookin' at the Cookery - Revisited by Debbie Minter Jackson

"There’s always a bit of trepidation when a key cast member steps into a successful show. Audiences wonder how the show will be affected, may have concerns about different interpretations, altering how it’s “supposed” to be. In the case of Jackie Richardson who replaced the “irreplaceable” Earnestine Jackson in Cookin’ at the Cookery, the prep work has already been done because she has already performed the role with the irrepressible Janice Lorraine in Vancouver. While this is a reprise of sorts for them, the change for us is a fresh new experience to be cherished the second time around.

Just when you didn’t think the production could get any better, here comes Richardson who shakes it up with her own mighty gifts, talents and interpretation to the role-and we are all the better for it. If you didn’t catch this stellar production earlier in the run, don’t let it slip away. It is just as much fun the second time around, and Richardson is a major reason why. Her voice and stage presence will blow you away.

Richardson has a particularly effective musical sense that goes beyond belting out the notes. Her whole body seems to breathe the musical tones, and her voice crests and flows with unbelievable crescendo effect. She’s got a hefty bearing that contributes to her no-nonsense stance packaged in a charm-your-socks-off, walloping delivery. Yes, she’s got all the fun-loving facial expressions to relay the message, but there’s something more, a warm accessibility and down-home appeal that makes her rather irresistible. When she refers to the audience lovingly as “children,” she envelops us all as part of the precious few who were fortunate enough to catch Alberta Hunter at the Cookery in New York in Ms Hunter’s unbelievable return-at 82 years old!!"

READ COMPLETE STORY AT DCTHEATRESCENE.COM >