Patchogue Theatre Honors The Life Of The Legendary Aretha Franklin with QUEEN OF SOUL

Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts is proud to present an original concert production, "Queen of Soul: A Musical Tribute to Aretha Franklin," on Thursday, Nov. 15 at 8 p.m. that will be directed by Grammy and Emmy Award winner John McDaniel.

"Queen of Soul" is a musical tribute to the one of the greatest singers of all time, Aretha Franklin. Born in Memphis, Tenn., Aretha Franklin was raised in Detroit, Mich. by her pastor father Rev. C.L. Franklin where she grew up singing gospel music at the New Bethel Baptist Church. Franklin secured a record deal with Columbia Records at the age of 18, but it wasn't until 1966 when she signed with Atlantic Records that Franklin achieved commercial success. Her hits songs "Respect," "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)" and "I Say a Little Prayer" rose Franklin up the music charts and helped her quickly earn the title, "Queen of Soul." In 1987, Franklin became the first female artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Featuring her greatest hits, "Queen of Soul" is a concert experience that journeys through Franklin's career from her gospel roots to her domination of the American pop charts. The Late Show's Gospel Choir from David Letterman, Broadway performers Danyel Fulton and Darius de Haas, and The HooDoo Loungers are among the special guests to perform. Historic footage from throughout Franklin's prolific career, that was used during her Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, will provide the backdrop for this musical retrospect.

"Queen of Soul" director, John McDaniel, is a Grammy and two-time Emmy Award winning composer, music director, arranger, orchestrator, theatrical and record producer and is the Artistic Director of the Tony Award winning O'Neill Theater Center's Cabaret and Performance conference. Broadway credits include "Bonnie and Clyde" (Drama Desk Nomination, Best Orchestrations), "Catch Me If You Can," "Brooklyn" (Producer and Orchestrator), "Annie Get Your Gun" (Grammy Award, cast album Producer), "Taboo,""Chicago," "Grease," "Patti LuPone on Broadway and Company" - the Original Cast in Concert at Lincoln Center. John won his Emmy Awards for "The Rosie O'Donnell Show" and was nominated for 5 consecutive years for Best Music Direction.

Tickets for "Queen of Soul" are available online, by phone or at the box office. Ticket prices range from $25 to $55, plus applicable ticket fees. For more information, call the Patchogue Theatre box office at 631-207-1313 or visit PatchogueTheatre.org.

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