‘The Drifters Girl’ story of female force behind Drifters

‘THE DRIFTERS GIRL’: Adam J. Bernard, Tarinn Callender, Matt Henry & Tosh Wanogho-Maud. Photo: Johan Persson.

THE DRIFTERS GIRL
Book by Ed Curtis
Based on an idea by Tina Treadwell
Co-created by Adam J. Bernard, Tarinn Callender, Matt Henry, Beverley Knight & Tosh Wanogho-Maud
Directed by Jonathan Church
Garrick Theatre
Charing Cross Road
London, United Kingdom
(0330 333 4811), www.thedriftersgirl.com

By David NouNou

LONDON—There are two parallel stories taking place here, woven together to form a cohesive musical. This is more than just another jukebox musical. In this case, the main attractions here are The Drifters’ songbook; and the real story is a tribute by Tina Treadwell to her mother, Faye Treadwell.

Nowadays there is little known about Faye Treadwell (Beverley Knight). She was a pioneer in the American music industry. She was a black woman in the 1950s and being a secretary was not a profession she chose to be in. There was a lot of discrimination in the music business, but being a woman in a man’s arena was unheard of.

In her 30s, she met George Treadwell (Adam J. Bernard) who was in artist management. He took her in not as a secretary but as an associate. She was smart, had a business sense, taste in music, and recognized talent. When he died suddenly, she took control of the company and became a tough deal maker and an incredible businesswoman. This is the business track of the story.

The other track is The Drifters themselves. Over the years there have been over 60 members in the group known as The Drifters. Among them were Clyde McPhatter, Lover Patterson and others (Matt Henry), Ben E. King, Rudy Lewis and others (Tosh Wanogho-Maud). At our performance, it was Ashford Campbell substituting for Mr. Wanogho-Maud. Johnny Moore, Gerhart Thrasher and others (Tarinn Callender). Over the years the members of the group had changed, but their sound was indelible, and the songs immortal: “Under the Boardwalk”, “Stand by Me,” “Save The Last Dance for Me,” “This Magic Moment,” “Unforgettable,” “Sweets for My Sweet,” and many more.

The intersection of the narrative is in the fact that members of the group were either inducted for military service, left on their own will to go solo, or were dropped due to their addictions. Faye Treadwell comes in to form the group as a brand rather than being dependent on any individual performer. She coined the philosophy “Everyone supports the Yankees but the players change all the time, so why couldn’t this principle be applied to a band?” and she succeeded by this motto.

Here is the interesting concept for this musical; it was created and is acted by the five principals of the show. There is a sixth character, and that is Faye’s daughter known as Girl (Shanyia Tsoto) who is sensitive and touching. Other than Beverley Knight portraying Faye, all four male characters play multiple roles and at times you really believe there are about 20 characters in this musical. Mr. Bernard, Mr. Campbell, Mr. Callender, and Mr. Henry are sheer perfection. Their vocalizing is superb, and it feels like you are at a Drifters concert.

Beverley Knight is considered the Queen of British Soul but is unknown to American audiences. She has a voice of a nightingale and holds the audience in the palm of her hand. The one misgiving in Ms. Knight’s performance is her mega-sized Southern accent; to an American ear it sounds forced. I’m sure it’s perfectly acceptable to the English audience.

Director Jonathan Church keeps the proceedings on the move, thanks in large part to Anthony Ward’s uncluttered sets which are constantly moving to represent different locations. For Drifters fans and audiences who are not familiar with the “golden oldies,” this is a joyous evening of harmonizing and a beautiful songbook of immortal songs.

Editor’s note: Felicia Boswell recently replaced Beverley Knight in the lead role of Faye Treadwell.

Edited by Scott Harrah
Published July 8, 2022
Reviewed in London on June 15, 2022.

‘THE DRIFTERS GIRL’: Marquee & entrance to the Garrick Theatre in London. Photo: StageZine.