THE OTHER CINDERELLA to Waltz Into Black Ensemble Theater This Winter

Black Ensemble Theater Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor continue the 40th Anniversary Season (The Season of Greatest Hits) with the family-friendly, holiday favorite The Other Cinderella, written by Jackie Taylor and directed by Jackie Taylor and Rueben Echoles. The Other Cinderella will be performed at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago, November 26 - January 8, 2017. The official press opening is Sunday, December 4, 2016 at 3:00pm.

The most popular of all the Black Ensemble Theater Productions this holiday classic always features some new twists, turns, and surprises. The show joyously retells the familiar fairy tale with an Afro-centric twist. There's a "Stepmama" who works at the post office, two mean, evil but especially funny stepsisters, the brothers are from the 'hood, Cinderella was born in the projects and the "Fairy Godmama" is from Jamaica. 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.

Jackie Taylor comments, "The Other Cinderella is a Black Ensemble holiday favorite. The 40th season has been a year of our biggest hits, so it's fitting that we close it out with one of the biggest hits throughout our history. The cast is an ensemble of spectacular singers and dancers, including Mark J.P. Hood in first production at Black Ensemble since his appearance on The Voice."

The cast of The Other Cinderella includes Jessica Seals (Cinderella), Rhonda Preston (Stepmother), Melanie McCullough (Stepsister Geneva), Miciha Long (Stepsister Margarite), Kylah Frye (Fairygodmama), Dwight Neal (King), Shari Addison (Queen), Mark J.P. Hood (Prince), Kyle Smith (Page), Brandon Lavell (Groundhog), Trequon Tate (Attendant), and Paige Hauer (Dorothy).

The designers are Rueben Echoles (costumes & wigs), Denise Karczewski (lighting), Aaron Quick (sound) and CoCo Ree Lemery (set). The production manager is Daryl Brooks. The technical director is Caswell James.

As with all Black Ensemble productions the Musical Director is Robert Reddrick (drums). The Other Cinderella will feature Danny O'Connor (bass), HerBert Walker (guitar), and Dolpha Fowley Jr. (piano)

IF YOU GO:

The Other Cinderella

Written by Jackie Taylor

Directed by Jackie Taylor and Rueben Echoles

Featuring: Jessica Seals (Cinderella), Rhonda Preston (Stepmother), Melanie McCullough (Stepsister Geneva), Miciha Long (Stepsister Margarite), Kylah Frye (Fairygodmama), Dwight Neal (King), Shari Addison (Queen), Mark J.P. Hood (Prince), Kyle Smith (Page), Brandon Lavell (Groundhog), Trequon Tate (Attendant), and Paige Hauer (Dorothy)

Dates: November 26 - January 8, 2017

Previews: November 26 & 27 and December 2 & 3, 2016

Press Performance: Sunday, December 4, 2016 at 3:00 pm

Schedule: Thursday: 7:00 p.m.; Friday: 8:00 p.m.; Saturday: 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; and Sunday: 3:00 p.m.

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

Valet parking is available.

Ticket prices: $55 on Thursdays and Saturday matinees; $65 on Fridays, Saturday evenings and Sunday matinees; A 10% discount is available for students, seniors, and groups.

Box Office: 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 can 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 or call 773-769-4451.

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