‘Aretha at the Apollo’ pays tribute to soul diva

From staff reports:

If Aretha Franklin is the “Queen of Soul,” then Stacie Calkins is surely the princess with the upcoming “Aretha at the Apollo.”

The star of Centerstage Theatre’s “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and “Lady Day and The Blues,” Calkins brings her own sparkle to the music of one of America’s greatest divas — with a full nine-piece band on classics like “Respect,” “Think” and “Chain of Fools.”

Alec Clayton’s blog noted that “powerhouse vocalist Stacie Calkins (is) undoubtedly the best torch singer in this area and well beyond.”

Calkins has also appeared at Centerstage in “I’m into Something Good” and at theaters throughout Western Washington with her interpretation of Billie Holiday in “Lady Day and The Blues.” She also played Effie White in “Dreamgirls,” Aida in “Aida in Concert” and Sarah in “Ragtime” at Tacoma Musical Playhouse.

“Aretha at the Apollo” is the brainchild of Centerstage resident music director David Duvall. In addition to creating Centerstage hits such as “Always…Patsy Cline,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and “I’m into Something Good,” Duvall has two Emmy nominations and more than 300 productions to his credit.

Check it out

“Aretha at the Apollo” runs 8 p.m. Oct. 21-22 (Friday and Saturday) at the Knutzen Family Theatre, 3200 SW Dash Point Road. Tickets for both performances are on sale and available by phone at (253) 661-1444, online at www.centerstagetheatre.com, and in person at the Knutzen Family Theater box office. Single tickets are $19.50.

Comment on this story.