September 21-27, 2006
Arts : Artspicks
I Can't Stop Loving You
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Musical theater has been reaching out to baby boomers in recent years with shows featuring the classic pop songs of our youth. Some have been tremendously successful (Mamma Mia!, Movin' Out), while others have not (stage shows lauding John Lennon, Joni Mitchell and others sank quickly). I Can't Stop Loving You: The Music of Ray Charles started on London's West End and quickly joined the winners' list, boasting a 12-piece orchestra on stage, six vocalists, a dozen dancers and, most importantly, Charles' rich song catalog, ranging from R&B, soul and rock hits to country and gospel. Director and choreographer Gary Lloyd's production, making its Philadelphia premiere, avoids both impersonating the great singer and revealing his bio's thorny points (see the 2004 biopic Ray for all that). No mulling how a young blind black orphan became "The Genius" and overcame drug addiction, just a musical celebration in Vegas revue style that's guaranteed to raise the roof with boisterous renditions of "Unchain My Heart," "Hit the Road Jack" and "What'd I Say?"

