Black Ensemble Theater's THE OTHER CINDERELLA Begins Today

Black Ensemble Theater presents the return of holiday favorite The Other Cinderella, written, produced and directed by Black Ensemble Theater Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor, with choreography by Rueben Echoles. The Other Cinderella will be presented at the new Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago, today, November 29 – January 13. The official press opening is scheduled for Sunday, December 2, 2012 at 3:00PM.

The most successful of all of the Black Ensemble Theater Productions, The Other Cinderella returns every other year since 1976. It is now a Black Ensemble classic that always features some new twist, turns, and surprises. The Other Cinderella joyously retells the familiar fairy tale with an Afro-centric twist. There's a "Stepmama" who works at the post office, two stepsisters who "don't do nuthin'," the brothers are from the 'hood, Cinderella was born in the projects and the "Fairy Godmama" is from Jamaica. Just as in the "traditional" Cinderella, there is a King, a Queen, and a Prince, but in this kingdom, everybody has soul. The Other Cinderella is appropriate for all ages, featuring original music, exciting dances and a heartwarming story that reminds audiences of the greatness of the human spirit.

"We are thrilled to bring back our bi-annual hit The Other Cinderella," says Jackie Taylor. "It's amazing to witness the many generations that keep returning year after year. The audience is a rainbow of colors, cultures and ages which testifies to how The Other Cinderella delivers a message of love, hope and the importance of believing in yourself that really speaks to the masses." As with every production there is always something new and exciting coming from the Kingdom of Other.

As with all Black Ensemble Theater Productions, Robert Reddrick will serve as musical director charged with making the beautiful original music written by Jackie Taylor and Michael Ward an unforgettable and transformational experience. The Black Ensemble Musicians include Robert Reddrick on drums, Tracy Baker on bass, HerBert Walker on guitar, and Mark Moultrup and Andrea Moore on piano.

The cast includes: Ta-Tynisa Wilson (Cinderella), A'rese Emokpae (The Fairy God Mama), Dawn Bless (Stepmama), Lisa Beasley (Margarite), Jessica Moore (Geneva), Dwight Neal (King), Rhonda Preston (Queen), Lawrence Williams (Prince), Raymond Wise (Page), David Simmons (Attendant), MAndy Lewis (Lady in Waiting), Brandon Holmes (Ground Hog), Alyssa Zopp (Peanut Butter), Malcolm Thompson (Pee Wee) Rueben Echoles (A.B.) and Erin O'Shea (Dorothy.)

The outstanding production team tasked with making this the most magical of all The Other Cinderella's in the past 35 years includes Dave Ferguson (Set Design), June Saito (Costumes), Denise Karczewski (Lights), Rueben Echoles (Choreography and Wigs), and Sarah Helt (Props). Bekki Lambrecht is the Technical Director, Emily Wall is the production stage manager and Vickie Spires is the company Equity stage manager.

Preview Tickets for The Other Cinderella are $45. Tickets for the regular run are $55 for Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturday matinees; and $65 on Fridays, Saturday evenings, and Sunday matinees. A 10% discount is available for students, seniors, and groups. Tickets are available by phone, (773) 769-4451, or online, www.ticketmaster.com.

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