Cadillac Records

Aroview: Flashy interpretation of the rise of the seminal Chess Records, regarded by many as America's greatest blues label.

This ensemble piece is more fairytale than fact, omitting historically accurate details in order to jam as many legendary musicians into each episodic moment. The results are joyously chaotic, dispensing conventional (and at times, coherent) narrative for a STARS IN YOUR EYES-style showcase. The music is delivered with energetic aplomb by the actors themselves – watch out for a luminous Beyonce Knowles, who proves her excellent turn in DREAMGIRLS was no fluke.