Photo provided by Mark Garvin

Named after the signature song, “Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical” is much more than merely a jukebox rehashing of his many R&B and crossover chart-toppers starting in the late 1950s, but rather, a compelling portrait of the man who was downright revolutionary in the music industry.

Sure, those who filled up the stunningly-restored Studebaker Theater on opening night were treated to fantastic, live band-backed performances of “Lawdy Miss Clawdy,” “Stagger Lee” and others from the surrounding era, such as Little Richard’s “Tutti Frutti” and Erma Franklin’s “Piece Of My Heart,” though the actual events that transpired between them are just as enticing of a reason to see the show.

For starters, there is a whole host of obstacles he has to surmount, whether it’s struggles with self-confidence as a kid growing up in Kenner, Louisiana or several reprehensible examples of racism stemming from the segregated South during the pre-Civil Rights Era.

Both the younger Price (played by Darian Peer) and the more frequently featured adult version (Saint Aubyn) are spectacular in their portrayal of the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, alongside the entire supporting cast, led by Stanley Wayne Mathis as his business partner Harold Logan and Alexandria Reese as his drama-generating wife Emma.

In any case, Price simultaneously goes on to break records and racial barriers, despite his momentum temporarily tapering after getting drafted to bravely serve in the Korean War.

Nonetheless, the relentless fighter works his way back to the top on stage and behind the scenes, becoming the first Black man to own a nightclub below Harlem in New York City and being the inaugural recording artist of any color to launch his very own independent record label, practically a half-century before it became commonplace.

“Personality” spares no expense to portray it all, accompanied by the lead character doubling as the narrator, which adds additional insight into the circumstances, emotions and unexpected outcomes of the rocky but resilient journey.

Aubyn goes on to observe how much Price ultimately overcame and accomplished up until his passing in 2021 at 88-years-old, while reminding the audience there’s still more work to be done in the quest to heal this fractured world, and in the process, inspiring them to propel change towards the positive.

“Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical” continues at the Studebaker Theater through Sunday, September 3. For additional details, visit FineArtsBuilding.com/Events/Personality/.

Related Articles

Musically-focused “Hail Hail Chuck” by Black Ensemble Theater outlines the architect of rock n’ roll “Heartbreak Hotel” premiere uncovers 18 pivotal months for Elvis Presley Black Ensemble’s “A New Attitude” pays homage to shy turned spectacular diva Patti LaBelle Memphis comes to The Mac with Bell, Musselwhite, Rush and the rest of “Take Me To The River” Twister Chubby Checker with Martha Reeves and Mary Wilson give Genesee a supreme “Heat Wave” Black Ensemble’s rejuvenating “Reasons” pays exemplary tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire A gumbo of soul, gospel, jazz from Irma Thomas, Blind Boys, Preservation Hall Legacy Quintet Virtuoso Clapton, The Crickets, Emmylou and Everlys collaborator Albert Lee stuns Space