Photos provided by Black Ensemble Theater

As a child, Patti LaBelle was as shy as they come, but as the Black Ensemble Theater’s brand new original production “A New Attitude” indicates for over two hit-filled hours, she quickly came out of her shell and eventually became a spectacular diva. Writer and director Rueben D. Echoles does the Philly native proud in this reverent show, while Dawn Bless and Cherise Thomas (as the mature and younger Miss Patti respectively) did their homework when it came to every vocal nuance and intentionally exaggerated mannerism.

Between those ear-catching delights and so many eye-stopping costumes or hairstyles, consider “A New Attitude” essential viewing for longtime fans and really anyone looking to gain additional respect for a woman who’s reinvented herself more than Madonna (right on up to those tasty pies as the latest proof!)

In fact, the whole cast and live band excel in chronicling LaBelle’s ascent “Over The Rainbow” as leader of The Blue Belles (also featuring Nona Hendryx, Sarah Dash and Cindy Birdsong), through additional girl group glory with “Lady Marmalade” and a solo career that keeps right on moving while rapidly approaching “74-years young.” Of course, it isn’t always rosy, whether it’s their harrowing bouts of racism in the early days, having The Supremes steal Birdsong or the revamped trio simply known as Labelle experiencing an explosive break-up right in front of a live audience!

Just like Patti’s winged-costume from the act’s more experimental days (ages before Lady Gaga by the way), she flies even higher all alone, gradually rebuilding her career with smoldering slow jams “If Only You Knew” and “Love, Need And Want You,” followed by the musical’s title track and the Michael McDonald duet “On My Own.” But isn’t it a shame that such an amazing streak of singles can’t kiss away the pain of personal loss, which comes in much higher quantities than most and is always acknowledged every time she performs “You Are My Friend.”

And straight-up singing is exactly how “A New Attitude” comes to a close, with these LaBelle stand-ins commanding the stage via a multitude of memories such as “When You Talk About Love” and “When You’ve Been Blessed” (backed by a glorious choir). Between those ear-catching delights and so many eye-stopping costumes or hairstyles, consider “A New Attitude” essential for longtime fans, plus its apt to give anyone additional respect for a woman who’s reinvented herself more than Madonna (right on up to those tasty pies as the latest proof!)

“A New Attitude: In Tribute To Patti LaBelle” continues at the Black Ensemble Theater through Jun. 17. For additional details, visit BlackEnsemble.org.

Related Articles

Dave Matthews, Boney James and more: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival at Fair Grounds Race Course A “New Attitude” on jazz standards and Patti LaBelle’s own gems sparkle at The Venue Diana Ross reigns supreme throughout diva-riffic “In The Name Of Love” revue at The Venue Patti LaBelle, Kings Of Leon and more: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival at Fair Grounds Race Course Legendary Isley Brothers thrill atop benefit bill for Mayfield Family Foundation Patti LaBelle conserves then conquers, The Commodores better brisk than ballads at Ravinia The Commodores: “The Brick House Is Back” Tour at Ravinia Darius Rucker, Widespread Panic and more: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival at Fair Grounds Race Course