Photo Flash: DYNAMITE DIVAS, A Tribute to Women of Soul at Black Ensemble

What happens when you put Aretha Franklin, Nancy Wilson and Gladys Knight together in the same room for a day? Well you certainly get some great nostalgic music that's for sure. Originally presented in 2001, Dynamite Divas will also feature Divas from the past such as Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington and Nina Simone, December 12, 2015 - January 24, 2016.

The cast includes Rueben D. Echoles Mr. Maurice), Shari Addison (Aretha Franklin), Rhonda Preston (Nancy Wilson), Rashada Dawan (Gladys Knight), Melanie McCullough (Roberta Flack), Donald Craig Manuel (Hubert), Kyle Smith (Young Blood), Kylah Frye (Ensemble), Jessica Seals (Ensemble), Cherise Thomas (Ensemble), Daniel O'Brian Phillips(Ensemble), Tricia Trible (Ensemble), Shavon Hannah (Ensemble) and Averis Anderson (Ensemble).

The production features the Black Ensemble Theater musicians: Robert Reddrick (Musical Director/drums), Mark Miller (bass), Gary Baker(guitar), Justin Dillard (piano), Paul Howard (trumpet), Dudley Owens (saxophone) and Bill McFarland (trombone).

The designers are Rueben Echoles (costumes), The A Team (set), Denise Karczewski (lighting), and Aaron Quick (sound and projection).Deanna Reed-Foster is the Assistant Director.

Note: There will not be a performance on December 24, 25, 31 and January 1.

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

Ticket prices: $55 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturday matinees; and $65 on Fridays,Saturday evenings, and Sunday matinees. A 10% discount is available for students, seniors, and groups. Buy online at www.blackensemble.org or call (773) 769-4451.

Photo credit: Michael Brosilow

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