Black Ensemble Theater Announces 2011-2012 Season

Black Ensemble Theater Founder and Executive Director, Jackie Taylor, is thrilled to announce the 2011-2012 season, "The Legendary Season of Rhythm & Blues." The new season celebrates the theater's 35th anniversary and the much anticipated Grand Opening of the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center at 4450 N. Clark Street on Friday, November 18.

The 2011-2012 season will kick off with the return of the celebrated, "The Jackie Wilson Story (My Heart is Crying, Crying)", November 18, 2011-January 8, 2012. The five-play season will also include such fantastic productions as "The Prophet" (The Marvin Gaye Tribute), February 12 - April 1, 2012; "Luther" saluting Luther Vandross, May 6 - June 24, 2012; "One Name Only" (A Tribute to the Ladies of Soul), July 29 - September 16, 2012; and "Ladies and Gentleman - James Brown", October 14 - December 31, 2012.

"The 35th anniversary serves as a major milestone in our history as an organization as we celebrate the opening of the long-awaited Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center," states Taylor. "The new building will allow us to expand our audiences and pursue our educational efforts, while our shows will remain true to the Black Ensemble style, delivering feel good stories with outstanding music."

The Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center marks a significant moment in the theater's history and will be able to accommodate larger-scale productions, bigger audiences and a wider range of educational programming. The new facility will include amenities such as a 299-seat main stage theater (double the capacity of the current venue); 150-seat stage to serve as an experimental stage featuring the work of the Black Playwright Initiative (BPI); classroom space; rehearsal hall, dance studio, scene shop, costume shop, and wardrobe rooms; seven dressing rooms; rehearsal room for musicians; front lobby space with concession areas; and an indoor parking garage. The Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center will officially open on Friday, November 18 with "The Jackie Wilson Story." More details about specific grand opening activities are forthcoming.

2011-2012 BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER SEASON SCHEDULE

"The Jackie Wilson Story"

Written and Directed by Jackie Taylor

November 18, 2011 - January 8, 2012

"The Jackie Wilson Story" returns to Chicago after an extremely successful opening in 2000 and a national tour in 2002, which culminated at the famous Apollo Theater in New York City. This high energy, yet touching, story follows the career of one of the greatest entertainers who ever lived. The show promises to be a bigger and better production with a few star-studded surprises.

"The Prophet" (The Marvin Gaye Tribute) written by Barbara Cole and the Marvin Gaye Family
Directed by Jackie Taylor
February 12 - April 1, 2012

Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr, otherwise known as Marvin Gaye, was known for his deeply soulful music and his phenomenal success in the music industry. The Prophet (The Marvin Gaye Tribute) brings back the spirit of the "Prince of Soul" with songs like "Mercy, Mercy, Me" and "What's Goin' On." This production serves as a musical journey of the legendary man behind the music. Black Ensemble Theater is thrilled to welcome Gaye's youngest sister, Zeola, to the cast as she narrates this special tribute.

"Luther" written by Jasmine Coles
Directed by Daryl Brooks
May 6 - June 24, 2012

Grammy® award winner, singer, songwriter and record producer Luther Vandross was one of the best rhythm and blues vocal stylists of his time. Throughout the course of his career, Vandross sold over twenty-five million albums and won eight Grammy Awards including "Best Male R&B Vocal Performance" and "Song of the Year." Luther is an unforgettable story featuring the beautiful music of this musical genius.

"One Name Only" (A Tribute to the Ladies of Soul)
Written and Directed by Rueben Echoles
July 29 - September 16, 2012

The legendary ladies of soul, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knights, Patti LaBelle, Diana Ross and Chaka Khan, will be paid tribute in an uplifting production that will showcase their renowned talent. In true Black Ensemble style, One Name Only will celebrate the music of "The Queen of Soul" and her fellow divas as well as go behind the music to reveal the persona of each of these fabulous women.

"Ladies and Gentleman - James Brown" written by Jimmy Tillman
Directed by Jackie Taylor
October 14 - December 31, 2012

James Brown, also known as the "Godfather of Soul," was the notorious singer, songwriter and musicians that changed the face of the blues. Ladies and Gentleman will demonstrate how Brown emerged as one of the world's most famous entertainers and earned himself the title of "The Hardest-Working Man in Show Business." This production aptly concludes the "Legendary Season of Rhythm & Blues" with a big, big bang.

Performance Schedule & Tickets

Performances run Wednesday through Sunday. Performances on Wednesdays and Thursdays are at 7:30 p.m.; and Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. There are two matinees - Saturdays and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. All seating is reserved.

Tickets go on sale to the public starting October 1. Ticket prices are $55 on Wednesday, Thursdays and Saturday afternoons; and $65.00 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday matinees. A 10% discount is available for students, seniors, and groups. Tickets, including group tickets and our Five Play Subscription Cards, are available by calling the Black Ensemble Theater Box Office at 773-769-4451, or visiting www.ticketmaster.com.

All performances will take place at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street. Valet parking is available.

The Black Ensemble Theater
The Black Ensemble Theater Company was founded in 1976 by Jackie Taylor, who has written and directed more than 100 productions for the company. In addition to its main stage productions, the Black Ensemble Theater Company produces ‘Plays with a Purpose,' a series of original youth-oriented musicals, designed to teach students positive life lessons and values, as well as several community-based programs that use theater arts to enhance and enrich the lives of countless youth, students and families.

The mission of the Black Ensemble Theater Company is to eradicate racism and its devastating effects upon society through the theater arts. For more information on the Black Ensemble Theater Company, please visit www.BlackEnsembleTheater.org or call 773-769-4451.

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