Black Ensemble Announces THE MARVIN GAYE STORY, 5/11-7/29

Black Ensemble Theater announces the World Premiere of The Marvin Gaye Story (Don't Talk About My Father Because God Is My Friend), written, produced and directed by Black Ensemble Theater Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor. The Marvin Gaye Story will be presented at the new Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center from May 11 to July 29, 2012.

Marvin Pentz Gaye Jr. is considered to be one of the greatest talents to come out of the Motown dynasty, with a career spanning over three decades. His sound began with Doo Wop in the '50s, and moved to Rhythm and Blues in the '60s, political awareness in the '70s, and sophisticated soul in the '80s. Some of his greatest contributions include "I Heard It Through The Grapevine," "What's Going On," and "Inner City Blues," as well as numerous hits from his partnership with Tammi Terrel such as "All I Need To Get By," "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," and "If This World Were Mine." He was also the winner of two Grammy Awards including Best Vocal Performance for "Sexual Healing" in 1983.

Marvin Gaye's life was plagued with depression and drug addiction and ended in tragedy on April 1, 1984 when he was shot and killed by his own father. The Marvin Gaye Story will reveal his struggles while also honoring his vast contributions to the music industry and the world. To many, Marvin Gaye represents the ability to face the worst of life's adversities and still accomplish great success. This Black Ensemble Theater production will embrace this sentiment and celebrate a legacy of beautiful music.

"With The Marvin Gaye Story (Don't Talk About My Father Because God Is My Friend), BE is producing our first World Premiere since moving into our new home earlier this year, and the development process has been an exciting one. Throughout the process, I have conducted vast research which included working with Jan Gaye (who was the second wife of Marvin Gaye and mother of Nona and Frankie Gaye) helping give ample attention to his story with honor and accuracy," says Jackie Taylor. "We have assembled a fantastic team of cast and designers, including RaShawn Thompson, a product of BE's educational outreach program, who will be starring as Marvin Gaye, along with some of BE's seasoned ensemble. We are also using projections, designed by Mike Tutaj, throughout the production to create a sense of time, place and relevancy of Marvin's messages in today's world."

For more information on the Black Ensemble Theater Company, please visit www.BlackEnsembleTheater.org or call 773-769-4451.