3 Mo' Divas

[The following review appeared in the Denver Post on May 23rd.]

With a nod to the upcoming National Performing Arts Convention (June 10-14), Denver Center Theatre Company artistic director Kent Thompson celebrates the end of his third season with glittering display of vocal virtuosity and club-style entertainment. 3 Mo' Divas is exactly what it claims to be, three more of the best and most exciting singers you're ever going to hear. Never has the female voice sounded so good.

(L to R) Nova Y. Payton, Jamet Pittman, and Laurice Lanier Photo: Terry Shapiro

Sure, you've heard all the great singers, from Marion Anderson, Mahalia Jackson, and Leontyne Price to Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin and all their soul sisters, but have you ever seen them all rolled into one-or three, that is. That's exactly what creator Marion J. Caffey has in mind with this show.

For openers, sopranos Nova Y. Payton and Jamet Pittman and mezzo-soprano Laurice Lanier blow us away with a three-part aria from Puccini's La Bohême, and then take turns each evening with a solo aria, before rolling through nine more styles of music, including Broadway, R&B, blues, jazz, soul, disco, rock 'n' roll, spiritual, and gospel.

Nova Y. Payton Photo: Terry Shapiro

As impressive as their range is, it's their mastery of the various idioms that sets these divas apart from great niche artists. They can do it all and sound true to the genre. Backed up by a nine-piece orchestra led by the multi-talented musical director and pianist Annastasia Victory, the music segues from the operatic opener to jazz with a sassy, swinging compilation from Duke Ellington's musical "Queenie Pie" designed to showcase the spectrum of voice talent through harmonies and short riffs.

The ensemble follows with a slick and sophisticated medley of Broadway and movie tunes, including "Lullaby of Broadway," and "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," before they launch into a series of Broadway, blues, and jazz solos, beginning with Pittman's haunting, plaintive "Your Daddy's Son," from "Ragtime."

Laurice Lanier Photo: Terry Shapiro

Unique orchestration and an impressive piano solo from Victory sets up Payton's soulful and ascendant "Summertime," that includes a fun dialogue between her scat and some hot licks from guitarist Chuck Pierce.

Of the many other highlights among the two dozen songs, a revelatory arrangement of "Strange Fruit," with Lanier's rich timbre floating over Pittman's mournful wails is particularly poignant. Later, Lanier digs deep and comes up big in the finale, "His Eye is on the Sparrow."

Jamet Pittman Photo: Terry Shapiro

These divas pack a punch. Expect this show to build on its reputation, with seats becoming scare as the run continues and the conventioneers arrive. Get your tickets early.

The Denver Center Theatre Company's presentation of 3 Mo' Divas runs through June 29th. 303-893-4100.

Bob Bows