Aretha Franklin’s impact on the world of music is nothing short of legendary, but one lesser-known aspect of her creative spirit was her deep connection to the theater. From her early exposure to Broadway shows to her admiration for the art of storytelling that these productions brought to life, Aretha’s love for theater ran just as deep as her love for music. Her journey through the vibrant world of stage and song serves as a testament to the timeless intersection between these two forms of artistic expression.

Early Exposure to Theater: A Musical Upbringing That Paved the Way

Born into a world filled with music, Aretha Franklin’s exposure to the arts came at an early age. Growing up in a household where gospel music was as common as conversation, her father, Reverend C.L. Franklin, was a prominent figure in Detroit’s cultural and religious scene. Her upbringing wasn’t just filled with the stirring rhythms of gospel; it was also influenced by a rich artistic circle that surrounded her family. It’s no wonder that a young Aretha began to develop a natural curiosity for all forms of performance, including theater.

Franklin’s home was a revolving door for musicians, artists, and civil rights leaders. People like gospel great Mahalia Jackson, singer Sam Cooke, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. regularly visited her home. This environment of talent and activism undoubtedly shaped her worldview, including her passion for theater, where powerful narratives about struggle, joy, and triumph found a home on stage. In many ways, theater’s stories of human emotion mirrored her own musical expressions.

But perhaps more significant than the visitors to the Franklin home was the way Aretha’s musical journey paralleled the sweeping, dramatic arcs of the stories she’d later come to love in theater. Songs like “A Natural Woman” and “Respect” aren’t just performances—they’re stories. And for Aretha, the fusion of music and narrative was a core element of what made both theater and music so compelling.

Favorite Broadway Shows: A Love Affair with Stage Productions

Aretha Franklin’s appreciation for theater was evident in the productions she admired. Among her favorites were “The Wiz,” “Dreamgirls,” and “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” each offering a blend of musical brilliance and storytelling that resonated deeply with her.

“The Wiz”, a 1975 Broadway musical, presented a unique and electrifying reimagining of L. Frank Baum’s classic “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” through the lens of African American culture. Aretha’s appreciation for this production wasn’t just about the music—it was the way the show managed to elevate an age-old story, making it relatable to a new audience and giving it a fresh, soulful energy. “The Wiz” was a celebration of Black identity, something Aretha herself championed through her music. She admired the show’s ability to infuse soul, gospel, and rhythm into a narrative that spoke to resilience and personal triumph, themes that often appeared in her own songs.

“Dreamgirls”, another favorite, was a Broadway musical that exploded onto the scene in 1981, depicting the rise of a girl group similar to The Supremes and exploring the tension between art and commerce in the music industry. Aretha, who had her own encounters with the machinations of the music business, connected with the story on a personal level. The show’s examination of loyalty, ambition, and the sacrifices made for fame mirrored some of her own experiences as a trailblazing woman in the music world. For her, the story of “Dreamgirls” was more than just an echo of Motown—it was a reminder of the challenges that every woman of color in the industry faces.

And then there was “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” the 1978 musical revue that paid tribute to the music of Fats Waller. Aretha loved the way this show celebrated jazz, a genre she respected deeply, and how it was able to weave together humor, history, and musical artistry in a way that felt effortless. The vibrant characters and toe-tapping tunes of “Ain’t Misbehavin'” brought to life a bygone era of Harlem’s jazz scene, and Aretha appreciated the show’s role in preserving the legacy of a musical heritage that had paved the way for artists like her.

The Storytelling in Theater: A Mirror to Her Own Craft

One of the things that Aretha Franklin appreciated most about Broadway was its storytelling. For her, theater wasn’t just a showcase for musical talent—it was a medium where stories of humanity could be expressed in all their complexity. This is where her appreciation for theater intersected with her own artistic identity. Much like the Broadway shows she admired, Aretha’s music told stories. Each song was a journey, whether it was about heartbreak, empowerment, or the yearning for spiritual connection.

Aretha often spoke about how she viewed herself as a storyteller, not just a singer. She understood the power of narrative in connecting with her audience, something that Broadway does so effectively. In songs like “Respect,” the story wasn’t just in the lyrics; it was in the emotion Aretha infused into every note, much like the way a Broadway actor gives life to a character’s arc. Her connection to the stories of Broadway was natural because she, too, was a storyteller at heart.

In Broadway’s narratives, she saw reflections of her own life: tales of struggle, triumph, identity, and liberation. Whether it was the tale of Dorothy in “The Wiz” seeking her way home or the girl group in “Dreamgirls” navigating fame, Aretha recognized the transformative power of storytelling that made both music and theater so potent.

Memorable Theater Experiences: On and Off the Stage

Aretha’s love for Broadway was not just confined to admiration from a distance; she had memorable experiences attending performances and interacting with those within the theater world. When Franklin walked into a Broadway theater, her presence was palpable. Her connection to the performers on stage was immediate—she wasn’t just a spectator; she was a kindred spirit who understood the power of performance.

One of Aretha’s most memorable theater experiences was attending a performance of “The Wiz” in its early days. Seated alongside icons from various creative industries, she watched in awe as the story of self-discovery and courage unfolded in front of her. During intermission, theatergoers buzzed about Aretha’s attendance, and as the cast took their final bows, it was said that Aretha stood, leading the standing ovation with her undeniable grace and presence.

Her interactions with theater performers were filled with mutual admiration. For Aretha, meeting actors and singers who were able to combine acting with singing—something she admired and even dabbled in herself—was always a source of inspiration. She was known to have exchanged words of encouragement with cast members backstage after shows, offering her heartfelt praise to those who brought the stories to life.

In her later years, Aretha even ventured onto the stage herself in a different capacity. In 1997, she played the role of gospel singer Darlene Love in the original cast recording of “The Color Purple” Broadway musical. Though a brief foray into the theater world, it was a poignant example of her versatility as an artist and her admiration for the stage.

Aretha’s Influence on the Theater Community: The Circle of Influence

The influence of Aretha Franklin extended far beyond the music industry—it touched the world of theater as well. Her admiration for Broadway, combined with her standing as the Queen of Soul, made her a beloved figure in the theater community. Broadway shows began paying tribute to her legacy long before her passing, incorporating her music into productions and referencing her impact on the world of performance.

In 2019, a special tribute to Aretha Franklin was held on Broadway, honoring her contributions to the arts. The tribute featured performances by Broadway stars, celebrating her life, legacy, and deep connection to the stage. Her music—often seen as theatrical in its own right—was woven into the tribute, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between her soulful melodies and the storytelling tradition of Broadway.

Her influence on theater also extended to the way she approached her own performances. Aretha’s concerts often had a theatricality to them, with grand entrances, costume changes, and an energy that made her shows feel more like Broadway productions than traditional concerts. She didn’t just sing her songs; she embodied them, bringing the same dramatic flair and emotional depth that one might expect from a seasoned theater performer.

Even today, Aretha Franklin’s legacy lives on in the theater community. Her music continues to inspire stage productions, and her life story—one filled with its own drama, triumphs, and challenges—resonates with the same power as the stories told on Broadway stages. In the end, Aretha Franklin was both a lover of theater and an artist whose own life could easily be a Broadway production in itself.

Conclusion: Aretha’s Enduring Legacy in the World of Theater

Aretha Franklin’s love for theater was more than just a pastime—it was a reflection of the storytelling that shaped her own artistry. From her early exposure to the vibrant performances of Broadway to her admiration for productions like “The Wiz” and “Dreamgirls,” theater played a vital role in her life. As a storyteller herself, Aretha found a kindred spirit in the world of stage performances, and her influence on both music and theater remains undeniable.

In honoring Aretha Franklin, we celebrate not only the Queen of Soul but also a woman whose passion for narrative and performance transcended genres, creating a legacy that will continue to inspire artists, musicians, and theatergoers for generations to come.