THEATER REVIEW : Strong Singing, Dancing Power ‘Bessie’s Blues’

“Bessie’s Blues,” a dazzling tribute to blues singer Bessie Smith, explodes on San Diego Repertory Theatre’s Lyceum Stage, thanks to the awesome talent of Bernardine Mitchell as Smith and a vocally stacked seven-person supporting cast.

The West Coast premiere of this 1993 work written and directed by Thomas Jones II is wildly ambitious. Jones tries to establish a continuum between Smith, who made her first recording in 1923, and Mitchell, a contemporary blues singer. The ensemble sports names such as Blood, Rhythm and Passion, suggesting they are parts of Smith’s spirit. But despite this device and Judy Watson’s stylized costume changes, these high concepts will elude anyone who hasn’t read the program notes.

Still, what no one can miss is the pulse of raw singing and dancing power (credit Patdro Harris’ choreography) as Mitchell, Yoshicka Betty, Barry Bruce, Damon Bryant, Sonya Hensley, Khalil Reed, Cheryl Renee and Harrison White rip through more than 30 numbers, more than half of which feature original lyrics and music by Jones and Keith Rawls.

The design team has put together a handsome package, from John P. Redman’s stark set to Brenda Berry’s artful lighting. And the musical arrangements by David Ferguson are exuberantly satisfying.

If Jones could fine-tune the script to clarify his ideas about the continuum of the blues, “Bessie’s Blues” could prove an irresistible sensation. But even as is, the show crackles as a force of nature--a daring and auspicious debut for the San Diego Rep’s 18th season.

* “Bessie’s Blues,” San Diego Repertory Theatre, Lyceum Stage, 79 Horton Plaza, San Diego. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m., Sundays, 2 p.m., 7 p.m., Oct. 20, 2 p.m. Ends Oct. 23. $18-$24. (619) 235-8025. Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes.