Black Ensemble Theater Presents THE JACKIE WILSON STORY, Previews 11/18

The Black Ensemble Theater will make history when it opens the new Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center at 4450 N. Clark Street on Friday, November 18 at 8 p.m. The Grand Opening Night is a celebration to thank funders and patrons who have contributed to the capital campaign. Attendees of the Grand Opening will be treated to a preview of "The Jackie Wilson Story" which launches the 2011-2012 Legendary Season of Rhythm & Blues. The official opening night and press opening for "The Jackie Wilson Story" is Sunday, November 20 at 3:00 p.m.

"The Jackie Wilson Story" is written, produced and directed by Black Ensemble Theater Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor. This award winning, extremely successful production is a high-energy musical showcasing the rise and fall of legendary performer Jackie Wilson and is scheduled to run through January 8, 2012.

"The Jackie Wilson Story" was first produced in 2000 and was an immediate smash hit. The highly popular national tour was launched in 2002, and culminated at the famous Apollo Theater in New York City, running a record of the most performances of a stage play at this historical New York City landmark. This contagious production chronicles the rise and fall of the admired musician and performer. Slightly different than the original version, the show will still include many of Wilson's hits such as (Your Love Keeps Liftin' Me) Higher & Higher, To Be Loved, Danny Boy and Doggin' Me Around. This time around the audience will also be treated to Frankie Lymons' Goodie Goodie and the Crystals He's A Rebel.

"We have greatly anticipated the opening of the new Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center since we announced the start of our capital campaign in 2006. This facility will be a national landmark that will ignite excitement across the country," said Taylor. "We are thrilled to have family, friends and supporters of the theater join us for the inaugural weekend in celebrating this momentous occasion. And to ensure that this season launches with a bang, we have revitalized ‘The Jackie Wilson Story'."

The Grand Opening Weekend festivities will kick off on Friday, November 18 at 7 p.m. with a special ceremony hosted by Governor Pat Quinn. Following the ceremony, attendees will assemble in the main theater for a preview performance of "The Jackie Wilson Story." A special reception will take place directly after the performance with Jackie Taylor and the Cast of the play. The celebration continues on Saturday, November 19 with an open house from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., inviting members of the community to explore the new Center, followed by the second preview of "The Jackie Wilson Story" at 8 p.m. with an after party with food, dancing and mingling with Jackie Taylor and the cast. The weekend concludes on Sunday, November 20, with brunch specials for Black Ensemble Theater patrons at nearby neighborhood restaurants, a pre-show special celebration for the press and the official press opening at 3 p.m.

The Company of "The Jackie Wilson Story"
Kelvin Roston Jr. will star as Jackie Wilson. Dawn Bless will be featured as Liza (Jackie Wilson's Mother) and RaShawn Thompson as B.B. (Jackie's best friend). Cast members featured in multiple roles include Melanie McCullough, Trinity Murdock, Carrie, Lawrence Williams, Lyle Miller, Rueben Echols and Robin Beamen.

Musical Director Robert Reddrick is joined by a seven piece orchestra that includes Tracy Baker (bass), HerBert Walker (guitar), Mark Moutrop (piano), Andrea Moore (piano), Hank Ford (saxophone), Bill McFarland (trombone), and Paul Howard (trumpet).

In addition to directing, Taylor is also the costume designer and is joined on the production team by Dr. Brad Nitschke (vocal coach), Lyle Miller (vocal arranger), Rueben Echoles (choreography), Denise Karczewski (lighting design), Carl Ulaszek (set design), and Victoria Cammon (stage manager).

Performance Schedule & Tickets

Performances run Wednesday and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays at 8:00 p.m.; Saturdays at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. All seating is reserved.

Ticket prices for the show are $55 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturday matinees and Sunday evenings; and $65.00 on Fridays, Saturday evenings, and Sunday matinees. A 10% discount is available for students, seniors, and groups. Tickets, including group tickets, are available by calling the Black Ensemble Theater Box Office at 773-769-4451, or visiting www.ticketmaster.com. A Five Play Subscription Card can also be purchased at a 10% discount by calling the Black Ensemble Theater Box Office.

Ticket prices for the Grand Opening celebration on Friday, November 18, which includes the reception, preview performance and after party, are $300. Ticket prices for the Official Press Opening are $65.00 and the after party is an additional $20.

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

The Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center
The Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center 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); 14 offices, 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 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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