Black Ensemble Theater to Continue 40th Season with Jackie Taylor's 'I AM WHO I AM'

Black Ensemble Theater Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor continue the 40th Anniversary Season (The Season of Greatest Hits) with I Am Who I Am (The Story of Teddy Pendergrass), written by Jackie Taylor and directed by Daryl D. Brooks.

I Am Who I Am (The Story of Teddy Pendergrass) will be performed at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago, September 24 - October 30, 2016. The official press opening is Sunday, October 2 at 3:00 pm.

Teddy Pendergrass was considered to be soul music's number one sex symbol in the '70s with songs like "Turn Off The Lights," "If You Don't Know Me By Now," and "Wake Up Everybody." He was on top of the world and at the height of his career in 1982 until his devastating car accident that left him a quadriplegic. There is so much to understand and admire about Teddy Pendergrass.

IF YOU GO:

I Am Who I Am (The Story of Teddy Pendergrass)

Written by: Jackie Taylor

Directed by: Daryl D. Brooks

Dates: September 24 - October 30, 2016

Previews: September 24, 25, 30 and October 1, 2016

Press Performance: Sunday, October 2, 2016 at 3pm

Schedule: Wednesdays: 7:00 p.m.; Thursdays: 7:00 p.m.; Fridays: 8:00 p.m.; Saturdays: 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; Sundays: 3:00 p.m.

Location: Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street.

Valet parking is available.

Ticket Prices: $55 on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturday matinees; $65 on Fridays, Saturday evenings and Sunday matinees

A 10% discount is available for students, seniors, and groups.

Buy online at www.blackensemble.org or call (773) 769-4451.

Founded in 1976, by the phenomenal producer, playwright and actress Jackie Taylor, Black Ensemble Theater is the only African American theater located in the culturally, racially and ethnically diverse north side Uptown community. Through its Five Play Season of Excellence, The Black Ensemble Theater dazzles audiences locally, nationally and internationally with outstanding original musicals that are entertaining, educational and uplifting. The Black Ensemble Theater has produced more than 100 productions and employed over 5,000 artists.

On November 18, 2011, The Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center opened and is able to accommodate larger-scale productions, bigger audiences and a wider range of educational programming. The new facility includes amenities such as a 299-seat main stage theater (double the capacity of the original venue); 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 completion of a 150-seat theater, which will serve as an experimental stage for the work of the Black Playwright Initiative (BPI), with construction by General Contractor Norcon Inc., is expected in 2016/17.

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, visit www.BlackEnsembleTheater.org.

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