These women are music icons, their influence spanning generations in rock, R&B, and soul.
Known by their first names, Whitney, Diana, Aretha, Tina, Gladys, their trademark sounds will be lovingly recreated on stage over the next two weekends.
“Legends,” a musical tribute to artists such as Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Gladys Knight, and more, opens Friday at On Stage Live! at the Luxe. The show weaves the hits from these and other female artists who changed the course of music forever.
“It’s a throwback to the music of the ’60s and ’70s. For me, it’s been a trip down memory lane. Diana Ross has been one of the singers I’ve listened to and looked up to,” said Tamara Carpenter, who portrays Ross in the show.
“She’s such a modern woman, like a lot of the singers out there now, like Beyonce. A lot of them took a page out of Diana’s book.”
Founded by Christopher Tompkins and the Luxe Event Center owners, On Stage Live! at the Luxe has brought “Legends” to life as its second show. The venture stems from Tompkins’ previous effort to bring professional theater experiences to southside audiences with Stage to Screen Catered Cabaret.
The hope is that “Legends” builds on the success of their debut show, a tribute to Elvis, which was well received by the community.
When Tompkins was looking for talented Black musicians to bring “Legends” to life, Carpenter, who had been part of Stage to Screen before, eagerly joined the cast.
“When Chris started doing shows again, he reached out about maybe doing a show. It sounded so exciting, and I’m so glad I agreed to be a part of it,” Carpenter said.
A talented cast of Black singers, including Jasmine Elliott, LaQueisha “Q” Bell, Taylor Franklin, Jodi Holmes, and Shenita Golder, has been assembled by Tomkins, with each bringing her own flair and energy to the show.
For Elliott, the show is an opportunity to pay tribute to an artist who has been a significant part of her life — Whitney Houston.
“This show is about highlighting Black artists who trailblazed the way for us over time,” she said.
Because of her experience in the musical version of “The Bodyguard,” Elliott had already delved into Houston’s songs and stage presence, but preparing for “Legends” proved to be a unique experience.
Bell, who portrays Tina Turner, dedicated herself to capturing both the vocals and the persona that made Turner so popular by studying videos and concert recordings of the singer.
Being part of the show has been an honor, a sentiment shared by the entire cast regarding the musicians they’re portraying.
The show runs Friday and Saturday, as well as on July 28 and 29 with tickets selling for $25.
Cast members are excited to showcase the iconic songs and music and hope to leave people grooving in their seats.
“I know people are going to have a blast. They’re going to have an amazing time, but I hope they take away the sense of connectedness and togetherness. This music, it’s a trip down memory lane,” Carpenter said.
IF YOU GO
“Legends”
What: A musical tribute to breakout Black female artists, such as Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin and more.
When: Friday, Saturday, July 28 and 29
Showtimes: 2 p.m. Friday and July 28; 7:30 p.m. all four nights
Where: On Stage Live! at the Luxe, 916 E. Main St., Greenwood
Tickets: $25
Information and purchasing: onstageliveattheluxe.com
