Marie and Rosetta review – Beverley Knight’s mighty vocal soars as the godmother of rock’n’roll

TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:

"Beverley Knight Stars in 'Marie and Rosetta', Highlighting Sister Rosetta Tharpe's Legacy"

Marie and Rosetta review – Beverley Knight’s mighty vocal soars as the godmother of rock’n’roll analysis cover image The Guardian 8.1
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Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2025/may/11/marie-and-rosetta-review-beverley-knight-rose-theatre-london-sister-rosetta-tharpe
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AI Analysis Average Score: 8.1
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TruthLens AI Summary

The musical 'Marie and Rosetta' showcases the life and legacy of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, a pioneering figure in the history of rock and roll, played by Beverley Knight. Set in 1946, the narrative unfolds over a single night, focusing on Tharpe at a pivotal moment in her career. Despite her immense popularity as a gospel singer, she grapples with the rising competition from Mahalia Jackson and the moral dilemmas of performing in nightclubs. The play introduces Marie Knight, a young singer taken under Tharpe's wing, who represents both admiration and a reflection on the pressures of fame in a racially divided America. The rehearsal scenes between the two characters reveal Tharpe's desire to revitalize her career while mentoring Marie, emphasizing the complexities of their relationship and the historical context surrounding their performances.

Musically, 'Marie and Rosetta' shines with powerful renditions of Tharpe's classic songs, allowing Knight and her co-star Ntombizodwa Ndlovu to demonstrate their vocal prowess. Their harmonies on tracks like 'Rock Me' and 'I Want a Tall Skinny Papa' highlight the emotional depth of Tharpe's music, while a strong instrumental backing captures the essence of her bluesy style. However, the script falls short in its execution, often resorting to exposition that fails to deeply explore the racial and gender challenges faced by Tharpe as a groundbreaking artist. The play hints at profound questions about faith and civil rights but does not delve into them sufficiently. Ultimately, while the performances bring Tharpe's music to life, the narrative lacks the depth needed to fully honor her legacy as an influential woman of color in the music industry.

TruthLens AI Analysis

The review of "Marie and Rosetta" highlights the significance of Sister Rosetta Tharpe's legacy in music history, as well as the challenges she faced during her career. The piece serves as an exploration of cultural heritage, showcasing the intersection of race, religion, and music in the mid-20th century, while also critiquing the script's shortcomings.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

The article emphasizes Tharpe's role as a pioneering figure in rock’n’roll, often overshadowed by her male counterparts. By bringing attention to her contributions, the review seeks to revive interest in her story, which has faded from public memory. This focus on cultural legacy may serve to inspire discussions about the importance of recognizing diverse influences in music history, particularly those of women and people of color.

Perception of Racism and Gender Issues

The review touches upon the realities of racism and the struggles of women in the music industry during the 1940s. The portrayal of Tharpe grappling with her identity and the pressures of societal expectations reveals the broader implications of her story. By highlighting these themes, the article may aim to foster a greater understanding of how race and gender intersect in the arts, prompting readers to reflect on contemporary issues.

Critique of the Script

While the performances of the lead actors are praised, the script is described as overly didactic. This suggests that the article is advocating for a more nuanced and authentic portrayal of Tharpe’s experiences. The review implies that the storytelling could have been more impactful, thus prompting a conversation about the importance of depth in artistic representation.

Audience Engagement

The review targets audiences interested in musical history, cultural studies, and social justice. It appeals to those who value the contributions of marginalized figures in the arts and may resonate with individuals seeking representation in storytelling. By focusing on Tharpe's story, the article invites readers to engage with the cultural significance of her legacy.

Potential for Manipulation

There is a possibility of manipulation in the narrative, as the review emphasizes the struggles of Tharpe while critiquing the script for failing to effectively convey her experiences. This duality can provoke readers to consider the motivations behind such portrayals and the importance of authenticity in storytelling.

Trustworthiness of the Article

The review presents a balanced perspective, acknowledging both the strengths of the performances and the weaknesses in the script. Given the analysis of Tharpe's historical importance and the critique of the narrative structure, the article appears to be credible. It engages with significant social issues while inviting reflection on the representation of marginalized voices in history.

Ultimately, this review serves as a lens through which readers can appreciate the complexities of Sister Rosetta Tharpe's life and the ongoing relevance of her legacy in contemporary discussions about race, gender, and music.

Unanalyzed Article Content

Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2025/may/11/marie-and-rosetta-review-beverley-knight-rose-theatre-london-sister-rosetta-tharpe

With her coffee table-size electric guitar and a voice capable of belting out gospel melodies over reverberating distortion, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, AKAthe godmother of rock’n’roll, carries a formidable legacy. One of the first gospel singers to find mainstream success in the 1930s, as well as an early musical influence for rockers such as Little Richard and Elvis, Tharpe was a trailblazing celebrity who has since faded in the public consciousness.

Set over a single night in 1946, George Brant’s two-hander finds Tharpe at a crossroads. Massively popular but facing increasing competition from singer Mahalia Jackson and controversy for taking faith-based music into nightclubs, 31-year-old Tharpe is rethinking her status. Enter the quivering, starstruck young singer Marie Knight, who Tharpe has plucked from obscurity and decided to take on tour with her across the segregated Southern US. Over the course of a rehearsal, Tharpe must persuade Knight to come on the road and revitalise her career in the process.

West End musical stalwart Beverley Knight plays Tharpe with aplomb, casting her as a fun-loving elder facing racist America and conservative Christians with an unshakeable sense of song. Stage newcomer Ntombizodwa Ndlovu, meanwhile, is endearing as Marie, fawning over her hero while reassessing her morals.

The music is immediate and brilliant, with Knight and Ndlovu reaching a soaring harmony on the swaggering Rock Me, rumbling into a sultry groove on Tharpe’s nightclub favourite I Want a Tall Skinny Papa and highlighting Knight’s mighty solo vocal on Didn’t It Rain. With guitarist Shirley Tetteh and pianist Liam Godwin channelling Tharpe’s bluesy feel, decades-old songs are reinvigorated.

The script, however, is a disappointment. Overly didactic, with swathes of dialogue telling the audience about Tharpe’s life story or the realities of racism but showing little, Brant misses an opportunity to meaningfully examine the difficulties of being a boundary-breaking woman of colour in the 1940s. What might it mean to believe in God when your civil rights are taken away? What motivated Tharpe to tirelessly pursue larger audiences and threaten her church-going audience?

The answers won’t be found in Marie and Rosetta. Yet, in Knight and Ndlovu’s voices we can at least find engaging emotion, bringing Tharpe’s powerful music to life once more.

AtRose Theatre, Kingston, London, until 24 May. Then atWolverhampton Grand, 27–31 May andChichester Festival Theatre25 June to 26 July

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Source: The Guardian