Black Ensemble Theater to Present THE STORY OF THE MARVELETTES, 7/18-9/7

Black Ensemble Theater Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor announces the world premiere musical The Story of The Marvelettes directed by Black Ensemble Associate Director Rueben D. Echoles. The Story of The Marvelettes will be presented at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago, July 18-September 7, 2014. The press opening is Sunday, July 20, 2014 at 3:00pm.

They were the first ladies of Motown way before the Supremes-one of the greatest girl groups that Motown ever had, and they were called The Marvelettes. The Marvelettes were one of the first major successful acts of Motown Records and, with the release of the 1961 #1 Single "Please Mr. Postman," they gave Motown its first #1 single.

As with all Black Ensemble productions, the production features outstanding live music. The musicians are Music Director Robert Reddrick (drums), Justin Dillard (keyboard), Herb Walker (guitar) and Danny O'Conner (bass).

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), is expected in to begin construction in 2014.