The new musical centered on the life and career of Chaka Khan opened to a mixed reception, with critics praising the vocal performances but expressing disappointment with the production’s overall execution. Alexandra Burke, who leads the cast, has been widely recognized for her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence, delivering consistently strong vocals throughout the show. The ensemble’s singing, characterized by rich soul tones and impressive falsettos, was a highlight noted by several observers.
The production employs an elaborate set design featuring large sliding panels and projections that create continual motion and visual interest on stage. Early scenes, including a rendition of “I’m Every Woman” featuring five female performers weaving harmoniously, demonstrated potential for a compelling portrayal of Khan’s musical legacy.
However, the narrative structure and direction have drawn criticism. The script, penned by Nia T Hills, and direction by Racky Plews have been described as uneven and clichéd, resulting in a disjointed tone that oscillates between exaggerated sitcom-like moments and melodramatic soap opera sequences. Observers noted that dialogue often felt unnatural and stereotypical, detracting from the authenticity of the characters.
The storyline attempts to cover a broad range of Chaka Khan’s personal challenges and historical moments, including her upbringing with an addicted father, involvement with the Black Panthers, turbulent marriages, substance abuse struggles, and periods of pregnancy. Reviewers suggested that the show’s pacing and focus failed to sufficiently develop these elements, leading to a superficial treatment of complex topics.
Musical numbers such as “I’m Every Woman” and “Ain’t Nobody” were criticized for uninspired staging that did not match the emotional weight or significance of the songs. Additionally, the inclusion of portrayals of music icons like Stevie Wonder, Prince, and Whitney Houston was perceived by some as relying too heavily on caricature and humor rather than meaningful tribute.
A particularly contentious character is Marie Stevens, played by Chrissie Bhimi, whose role as a personification of Khan’s negative impulses and influences was viewed by many as awkward and confusing. This subplot, culminating near the finale, was noted as an overextended and poorly executed element that disrupted the narrative flow.
Despite these criticisms, the musical concludes with a celebratory curtain call featuring a medley of Chaka Khan’s hits, which many praised for its energy and crowd-pleasing effect. Nonetheless, the overall reception indicates that the production struggles to balance its ambitious scope with coherent storytelling and consistent tone.