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Dr. Dorothy's Blog

About Respect!

A Note from Dr. Dorothy Marcic. (left)

RESPECT is a result of seven years of research, writing and development. It began when I was asked to do a presentation in 1999 at a Bahá’i Social and Economic Development Conference, since equality of men and women is one of the principles taught by Bahá’u’lláh (“The world of humanity has two wings—one is women and the other men. Not until both wings are equally developed can the bird fly.”) Because I was experimenting with music in my leadership seminars, I decided to add some music to the Bahá’i talk. As I did the research to find a few relevant songs, I realized that popular music tells the whole story of women in the 20th century. After the Orlando presentation, an agent got me a book contract, and I recorded some CDs.

Thus began my new career. The one-woman show, which I have performed all around the US and the world has now has evolved into a four-woman musical theater production, opening its first professionally produced commercial run, at the Cuillo Center for the Arts in West Palm Beach, FL on July 14, 2004. The topic is near and dear to my heart. I hope as you watch and listen, you will gain
insights into yourself. Success for me will be when you start listening to songs in a new way.

A Note from Director Hinton Battle

The warmest, cold place I‘ve ever been.

RESPECT is a musical journey of women. My RESPECT journey began when I was asked to come to see the show in West Palm Beach. As a result I now have a better understanding of the greater challenges woman have endured , but more importantly their triumphs and their heroic accomplishments, not just the celebrities but also the everyday woman.

My personal journey started in Washington DC taking dance classes at an early age that taught me to persevere hardships. I then traveled to New York City to start a career in the arts. But my first major role was as the Scarecrow in the Broadway musical The Wiz, which previewed right here in Detroit at the Fox Theatre.

In between that debut and directing RESPECT, I was fortunate enough to win three Tony Awards for Sophisticated Ladies, The Tap Dance Kid and Miss Saigon.

I have been given the opportunity to work with RESPECT ‘s wonderful author, Dorothy Marcic, who has allowed me to realize my own vision of this show. Without the incredible generosity of Jim Forbes and the crew of the Gem Theatre, we would not have been able to present the event you will see today.

The time I have spent here directing and working with the Detroit natives has been as rewarding and professional as any time I have spent on Broadway.

The Songs of Respect: A Musical Journey of Women

There are more than 64 songs (in part or in full) in the Detroit production.

Here they are in order of appearance. Song credits are available in the show's playbill.

The Songs of Respect: A Musical Journey of Women

There are more than 64 songs (in part or in full) in the Detroit production.

Here they are in order of appearance. Song credits are available in the show's playbill.

Kelly Shook plays the show's Narrator askang herself and the audience... if you could pick one song that would define your life, what would it be?

Act 1

I Fall to Pieces
Johnny Angel
Blues in the Night
Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend
Bend Me Shape Me
Wishin' and Hopin'
Dedicated to the One I Love
Mr. Sandman
Stop! In The Name of Love
You Don’t Own Me
I Am Woman
On A Bicycle Built For Two
Cant’ Help Lovin Dat Man
My Man
Bill Bailey
Someone to Watch Over Me

Shonka Dukureh is Hard-Hearted Hannah, the Vamp of Savannah G.A.

Hard-Hearted Hannah
I Wanna Be Loved By You
Taint Nobody’s Business If I Do
Goodbye Broadway Hello France
Over There
Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy
Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition

If I Knew You Were Comin' I'da Baked a Cake
It's Howdy Doody Time
Tammy
How Much is That Doggie in the Window
Lollipop
Love and Marriage
Tell Paul
I Enjoy Being a Girl

Sarah Madej prays that It Must Be Him as she answers the phone...but does he call?

It Must Be Him
Stand By Your Man

Act 2

Sweet Talking Guy
Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around
God Bless the Child
You Don't Own Me
I Will Survive
These Boots Are Made For Walkin'
I Am Woman
At Seventeen
Take Another Piece of My Heart
Never Been to Me
Greatest Love Of All
Hero
Video
This One's For the Girls
Respect

The girls get the crowd clapping and singing during the number I Will Survive!