Aretha
The Music of Aretha Franklin
More about the show
From the soulful anthem “Respect” to the timeless ballad “I Say a Little Prayer,” this show brings Aretha’s unforgettable hits to life with powerhouse vocals and a tribute to her unmatched legacy. With each note, ARETHA delivers a soulful, electrifying journey through the songs that defined a legend and continue to inspire generations.
Cast & Creative Team
HOSTED BY
Shon Ruffin
VOCALISTS
Seyko Groves
Shon Ruffin
Paula Saunders
PIANO & MUSIC DIRECTOR
Desmond Mason
LIGHTING SUPERVISOR
Shelbi Arndt
AUDIO SUPERVISOR
Thomas Newby
Curated by Linnaia McKenzie
Performers
Shon Ruffin
Read Bio
Kansas City’s native, Shon Ruffin received her B.A. in Theater Performance from K-State and is a member of the Actors Equity Association. She found her voice singing showtunes and American Standards and has gone on to perform on various stages including Unicorn Theatre, Starlight Theatre, Kansas City Rep Theatre, T-Mobile Center, Power & Light Main Stage, Late Night Theatre, Missie B’s, The Madrid, The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Kemper Arena, New Theater Restaurant, Uptown Theater, The Coterie Theatre and Milwaukee Rep Theatre. Ruffin is one of three frontwomen for Kansas City’s funkiest original band, The Freedom Affair. You can find her in the winter entertaining for the Holidays as Mrs. Claus with The WinterWonder Band. Besides her bed, there is nothing she enjoys more than spreading joy with music and leaving her heart on the stage. Visit shonruffin.com for more!
Seyko Groves
Read Bio
Seyko Groves is a life-long student of music, with over twenty years performing professionally. A mother, writer, and collaborator, Seyko currently creates and performs original music with the popular bands The Freedom Affair and Sunu. In addition, she’s a solo artist, releasing critically acclaimed songs since 2023, putting her songwriting skills on full display. Singing has given her amazing opportunities, from traveling Europe to singing background vocals for Michael Bublé. Seyko was formerly cast in the Ruby Room series with Natural Woman: The Music of Carole King and is thrilled to be back. Get to know her on social media @seykomusic
Paula Saunders
Read Bio
Paula Saunders is a dynamic, multi-faceted vocalist from Kansas City, celebrated for her rich, sultry tone and remarkable versatility. Often compared to artists like Lalah Hathaway and Oleta Adams, Paula brings a depth and warmth to every performance that captivates audiences from the very first note. Her debut solo project, Introducing Paula Saunders, is a beautifully curated collection of jazz standards and timeless classics that showcases the full range and resonance of her alto/tenor voice. Paula has made appearances on some of Kansas City most notable stages, including the Kauffman Theater with the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra, Lonnie’s Reno Club, MTH Ruby Room Series and most recently as Aunt Em and Glinda in the MTH production of The Wiz. She has also represented Kansas City on International stages in Frutillar, and Valparaíso, Chile. Finally, Paula is one of the lead vocalists in The Freedom Affair, a high-energy nine-piece funk and soul band, where her commanding presence and expressive delivery take center stage. With a vocal range that spans genres and emotions alike, Paula has earned a reputation as one of Kansas City’s most versatile and compelling singers. Stay connected with Paula On social media and at paulasaundersmusic.com.
Musicians
Desmond Mason
Piano/MD
Read Bio
Credits (MTH): Ruby Room Series: For Lovers (2022), Beatnik Cafe (2022) Autumn Leaves (2022), Family Ties (2023), Piece of my Heart (2023), Get Up (2023), Let’s Get it On (2024), Natural Woman (2024), I will always love you (2024), Purple Rain (2024)
MTH Main Stage Productions: Stevie: Signed, Sealed, Delivered (2022), Ain’t Misbehavin’: The Fats Waller Musical Show (2024), The Glass Menagerie (2024), The Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess (2024)
Credits (Outside of MTH) STAR on FOX, Jaigermeister (Take Back The Night Campaign), Featured Casio Keyboardist for Make Music Day 2021, KCJO Riff Generation Residency 2022
Arick "T.A. Rell" Ridgell
Drums
Read Bio
Coming Soon…
Jeff Stocks
Guitar
Read Bio
Coming Soon…
Nsikoh
Bass