Photo Flash: Black Ensemble Theater to Present The Jackie Wilson Story

The Jackie Wilson Story returns to Chicago after an extremely successful opening in 2000 and remount in 2011, plus a national tour in 2002, which culminated at the famous Apollo Theater in New York City. This high-energy and touching story follows the career of one of the greatest entertainers who ever lived.

The Jackie Wilson Story was first produced in 2000-and again in 2011-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 high energy and touching production, which chronicles the rise and fall of the admired musician and performer, includes 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 the audiences will also be treated to Frankie Lymons' Goodie Goodie and the Crystals Dah Do Run Run.

As with all Black Ensemble productions, the production features the Black Ensemble Theater Musicians. The Musical Director is Robert Reddrick (drums) and the musicians include Danny O'Connor (bass), Herbert Walker (guitar) Clovise Bordeaux (piano), and Paul Howard (trumpet), Dudley Owens (saxophone) and Bill McFarland (trombone).

The designers are Ruthanne Swanson (costumes), Denise Karczewski (lighting/set), Aaron Quick (sound and projection) and CoCo Ree Lemery (scenic artist). The production stage manager is Lemar Ezell and the Equity stage manager and production manager is Daryl Brooks. Caswell James is the Technical Director.

The Jackie Wilson Story began previews on July 30, 1016 and will continue performances through September 4th, with a press performance set for August 7th at 3:00pm. The performance times are as follows: Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays at 8:00pm, Saturdays at 3:00pm and 8:00pm, and Sundays at 3:00pm. All performances are at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street. Valet parking is available.

Tickets are $55 for Thursday evenings and Saturday matinees; tickets for Fridays, Saturday evenings, and Sunday matinees are $65. A 10% discount is available for students, seniors, and groups. Tickets may be purchased at the box office, online at www.blackensemble.org, or by calling (773) 769-4451.

Photo Credit: Danny Nicholas

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