Black Ensemble Theatre Presents THE STORY OF THE MARVELETTES, 7/18-9/7

Black Ensemble Theater Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor announces the world premiere musical The Story of The Marvelettes directed by Black Ensemble Associate Director Rueben D. Echoles. The Story of The Marvelettes will be presented at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago, July 18-September 7, 2014. The press opening is Sunday, July 20, 2014 at 3:00pm.

Many people think that the most famous girl group to come out of Motown was The Supremes, but history says differently. It was five young teenagers from Inkster, Michigan who helped to propel Motown into national stardom and gave them their first "million-seller." The name of this dynamic group was The Marvelettes and their voices helped launch the company to prominence. Their name might not be as familiar as some of the other Motown legends, but the songs they made famous like "Don't Mess with Bill," "Hunter Gets Captured by the Game," "My Baby Must be a Magician," "Beechwood 45789," and "Please Mr. Postman" will guarantee their place in our musical memories forever. We're going to take you back to a dynamic era in history where the voices were more than just supreme - they were absolutely marvelous.

As with all Black Ensemble productions, the production features outstanding live music. The musicians are Music Director Robert Reddrick (drums), Justin Dillard (keyboard), Herb Walker (guitar) and Danny O'Conner (bass).

Location: Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street. Valet parking is available.

Ticket prices: $55 on Saturday matinees; and $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

The Black Ensemble Theater

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 is able to 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), is expected in to begin construction in 2014.

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, please visit www.BlackEnsembleTheater.org or call 773-769-4451.

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