The Red and Black

Issue date: 4/26/02 Section: Variety

Booker T. Brown sold his soul for something more than rock 'n' roll.

The Black Theatrical Ensemble production of "The Trials and Tribulations of Staggerlee Booker T. Brown" tells the story of a preacher and his dealings with the devil.

Booker T. Brown When & Where: 7:30 tonight and Saturday and at 4 p.m. Sunday at Morton Theatre Tickets: $5 for students and $8 for non-students; available at Tate Cashier's Window and Morton Box Office Information: 613-3771

"I read the play, and I was just blown away," said Erroyl McGinty, co-director of the production.

The performance, which is playing tonight, Saturday and Sunday at the Morton theatre, is based on the popular 1960s, Staggerlee songs.

"The legend is an extension of the song, which we play for the audience immediately before the curtain rises," McGinty said. "It's in the vein of Jim Croce's 'Bad Bad Leroy Brown,' in that the main character grew up a badass, but then God gave him a short-lived second chance."

The second chance doesn't last long, because the protagonist, the Rev. Booker T. Brown, is soon smitten by the charms of a nubile young parishioner. His temptation then leads to a deal with Big Red, a.k.a. the Devil, who gives him infinite money and a lustful woman for his soul, of course.

"It's a great setup that's really funny, with evil tempting someone who is basically a good person," McGinty said. "Then Booker renegs on the deal and all hell (no pun intended) breaks loose."

McGinty, who also plays the comic relief in the show, said the play was written in a time when there was a great deal of racism and social dilemmas that affected everyone.

"I really think the audience will understand and appreciate the social commentary," McGinty said. "But the main thing the playwright was trying to get across is that with all that stuff, it's still OK to laugh."

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