“Super Freak” Brings the Funk

“Super Freak: The Rick James Story,” traces the artist’s life from his rise to stardom beginning on the streets of Buffalo to his 80’s funk mega hits and flamboyant lifestyle filled with music, drugs and sex.

Equally famous for his profound influence on music and his legal and drug issues, the musical is written by Ty James, Je’Caryous Johnson and J. Kyle Manzay, and uses source materials from James’ autographical books “Glow” and “Memoirs of a Superfreak.”

The play is long at 3 hours with the first act taking much too long to chronicle James’ childhood in Perry and Willert Park Housing Projects to joining the navy, then heading to Canada AWOL, and returning home to serve prison time. Two actors portray Rick James, Kobe Brown plays young James Johnson Jr. and Ricky James Matthews and Stokley Williams plays post-stardom James.

The second half picks up momentum as James’ character transforms into a leather clad, braided sequined superstar. Included are hits “Give it to Me Baby,” and “Super Freak” from his 1981 hit album “Street Songs.” There are also performances from other rising stars of the ‘80’s including Prince, MC Hammer, Lionel Ritchie and Teena Marie.

Rick James fans will enjoy “Super Freak: The Rick James Story,” although others might find it takes too long to get to the funk.

“Super Freak: The Rick James Story” is currently touring nationwide.