We went into the Garner Galleria Theatre knowing nothing about Ruth Brown, the woman whose story (musical and not) we were about to see in the show, Miss Rhythm – The Legend of Ruth Brown. We came out big fans, feeling educated, enlightened, empowered, hopeful, and energized. Start your journey to knowing Ruth Brown in this commentary about the show that runs through October 15, 2023.
In song and storytelling, Miss Rhythm – The Legend of Ruth Brown takes the audience through the life story of an incredible woman, from the deep south to the glitz of Hollywood. If you don’t know about the mind-blowing life of Ruth Brown, read this to learn more about her 60-year career in show business.
This satisfying gem of a show tells the impossible, unbelievable, yet true life story of Ruth Brown. Full of fun and heart, it entertains even as it meaningfully explores Ruth Brown’s triumph over ignorance, racism, cruelty, poverty, bad luck, corporate greed – and no-good, dirty-dog, low-down, two-timing men! This show makes you feel deeply, move your body, and reflect on our country’s soul. In her directorial debut, Ms. McCallum co-created Miss Rhythm with composer/lyricist David Nehls – learn more about their collaboration in this article.
Sheryl McCallum wows the crowd with her voice – soaring through heart-breaking ballads and then popping a string of top 10 R&B hits from the 1950’s that got everyone’s hips-a-rockin’ (if only you could dance in the Garner!). Glowing in her elegant silken stage ensemble, McCallum is as poised as a glamourous Hollywood diva, then ferociously comical in depicting racist behaviors in the segregated south. McCallum’s acting chops, honed on Broadway and stages around the country, strut their stuff in Miss Rhythm. She works the audience like a pro – fearlessly – and, judging by the spontaneous cries from the audience like a Sunday Gospel service, McCallum somehow connects with every person in the room and opens their heart to Ruth’s struggles and joy. McCallum is magic.
The stage set design is absolute perfection – creating an ideal vibe for this trip to the mid-20th century club scene. As McCallum sings her heart out in the intimate space, it feels like she is right at your table, gazing in your eyes, singing to you alone. A terrific five-piece band (expertly guided by Nehls on the piano) is front and center, providing the soundtrack and clever secondary characters to this (mostly) one-woman show. They easily glide from jazz to American songbook standards to R&B hits. For a sneak peek at the stage, click here.
Miss Rhythm explores Ruth Brown’s journey through a harsh society and offers inspiration for how we all must live today – with love, passion, hope, resolve, and faith that we will make it through the troubles we face individually and collectively. If your soul needs a little love, head down to the Garner Galleria and spend an evening with Miss Rhythm.
Oh, and one more thing…
What did Denver do to deserve the blessing that is Sheryl McCallum? I do not know, but I’ll count my blessings and you should too! When you join the folks enjoying Miss Rhythm, release the love and energy you feel – clap, cheer, and loosen up Denver! McCallum and the boys in the band feed off the energy. Really! They told us so.
Miss Rhythm – The Legend of Ruth Brown at the Garner Galleria Theatre in downtown Denver runs 6 nights a week through October 15, 2023. For tickets, click here.
-Commentary by Jimmy McDonough
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