Black Ensemble Theater Founder and Executive Director, Jackie Taylor, is thrilled to announce the 2011-2012 season, "The Legendary Season of Rhythm & Blues." The new season celebrates the theater's 35th anniversary and the much anticipated Grand Opening of the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center at 4450 N. Clark Street on Friday, November 18.
The 2011-2012 season will kick off with the return of the celebrated, "The Jackie Wilson Story (My Heart is Crying, Crying)", November 18, 2011-January 8, 2012. The five-play season will also include such fantastic productions as "The Prophet" (The Marvin Gaye Tribute), February 12 - April 1, 2012; "Luther" saluting Luther Vandross, May 6 - June 24, 2012; "One Name Only" (A Tribute to the Ladies of Soul), July 29 - September 16, 2012; and "Ladies and Gentleman - James Brown", October 14 - December 31, 2012."The 35th anniversary serves as a major milestone in our history as an organization as we celebrate the opening of the long-awaited Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center," states Taylor. "The new building will allow us to expand our audiences and pursue our educational efforts, while our shows will remain true to the Black Ensemble style, delivering feel good stories with outstanding music."The Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center marks a significant moment in the theater's history and will be able to accommodate larger-scale productions, bigger audiences and a wider range of educational programming. The new facility will include amenities such as a 299-seat main stage theater (double the capacity of the current venue); 150-seat stage to serve as an experimental stage featuring the work of the Black Playwright Initiative (BPI); 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 Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center will officially open on Friday, November 18 with "The Jackie Wilson Story." More details about specific grand opening activities are forthcoming."The Jackie Wilson Story"
Written and Directed by Jackie Taylor
November 18, 2011 - January 8, 2012
"The Jackie Wilson Story" returns to Chicago after an extremely successful opening in 2000 and a national tour in 2002, which culminated at the famous Apollo Theater in New York City. This high energy, yet touching, story follows the career of one of the greatest entertainers who ever lived. The show promises to be a bigger and better production with a few star-studded surprises."The Prophet" (The Marvin Gaye Tribute) written by Barbara Cole and the Marvin Gaye FamilyPerformance Schedule & Tickets
Performances run Wednesday through Sunday. Performances on Wednesdays and Thursdays are at 7:30 p.m.; and Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. There are two matinees - Saturdays and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. All seating is reserved.
Tickets go on sale to the public starting October 1. Ticket prices are $55 on Wednesday, Thursdays and Saturday afternoons; and $65.00 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday matinees. A 10% discount is available for students, seniors, and groups. Tickets, including group tickets and our Five Play Subscription Cards, are available by calling the Black Ensemble Theater Box Office at 773-769-4451, or visiting www.ticketmaster.com. All performances will take place at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street. Valet parking is available.The Black Ensemble TheaterVideos