Photo Flash: First Look at Black Ensemble Theater's IT'S ALL-RIGHT TO HAVE A GOOD TIME: THE STORY OF CURTIS MAYFIELD

Black Ensemble Theater announces It's All-Right To Have A Good Time: The Story of Curtis Mayfield produced and written by Black Ensemble Theater Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor with Co-Direction by Jackie Taylor and Daryl D. Brooks. The Story of Curtis Mayfield will be presented at the new Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago as an open run, with previews beginning September 14, 2013. The official press opening is scheduled for Sunday, September 22, 2013 at 3:00PM. Scroll down for a first look at the cast in action!

Black Ensemble's tribute to Chicago's own music legend Curtis Mayfield is the story of a musical giant who is equally celebrated as a singer, song writer and record producer. From the anthemic music of The Impressions like "We're A Winner," "I'm So Proud," "Choice of Colors" to movie hits like "Super Fly," The Curtis Mayfield Story will bring to vibrant life the rare musical genius that was Curtis Mayfield. Mayfield's timeless music is known and celebrated all over the world, and he is the winner of the Grammy Legend Award (1994), the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (1995) and a double inductee into both The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1991, 1999) and the Grammy Hall of Fame.

The cast features Reginald E. Torian, Sr as Older Curtis Mayfield, who replacEd Curtis Mayfield in The Impressionsin 1972 and remains in the group today. The cast also includes Cecil Jones (Young Curtis), David Simmons (OlderJerry Butler and Carl Davis), Lawrence Williams (Younger Jerry Butler), Brian Nelson (Fred Cash of The Impressions) and Donald Craig Manuel (Sam Gooden of The Impressions). Cast members playing various roles include: Casey Hayes, Rueben D. Echoles, Jos N. Banks, Mark J.P. Hood, Alanna Taylor, Katrina D. Richardson, Ereatha Star McCullough and Christina D. Harper.

As with all Black Ensemble Theater Productions, Robert Reddrick will serve as musical director. The Black Ensemble Musicians includes Robert Reddrick on drums, Danny O'Connor on bass, HerBert Walker on guitar, Justin Dillard on keyboards and Paul Howard on trumpet, Bill McFarland on trombone and Dudley Owen on saxophone.

Black Ensemble Theater performance times are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 3:00 and 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00. Ticket prices are as follows: Previews are $45; Tickets during the regular run are $55 (Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturday matinees) and $65 (Fridays, Saturday evenings and Sunday matinees). Buy online at www.blackensembletheater.com or call (773) 769-4451.

Photo Credit: Danny Nicholas

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