Ordinarily, a musical that contained as muddled a message about music, love, and self-fulfillment as Thunder Knocking on the Door would call for quick dismissal. But this show is too full of rousing songs, effervescent performing, and just plain good times to be sent packing. On the contrary, thanks are due it for demonstrating that tuners don't need multi-million-dollar sets, flashy costumes, and jaw-dropping effects to stir ticket-buyers--not if there's sufficient storyline to provide five people with booming voices and commitment the chance to come out on stage and thrill the pants off patrons.

The five going to town with Keith Glover's libretto and the primarily blues-based ditties t[...]