Photo Flash: First Look at Black Ensemble's THE TRIAL OF MOSES FLEETWOOD WALKER

The Trial of Moses Fleetwood Walker, written by Ervin Gardner, is produced and directed by Jackie Taylor with music composed by Taylor, and music director & arranger Robert Reddrick, at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street, running now through March 15, 2015. The show opens today, Sunday, February 15 at 3 p.m. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

The Trial of Moses Fleetwood Walker represents the most culturally diverse and largest cast in the history of the Black Ensemble Theater with a cast of 19 people playing a total of 24 characters. Andre Teamer stars as Moses Fleetwood Walker. Other cast members include: Casey Hayes, Jack Birdwell, Trey Hobbs, Lawrence Garner, Joey Swift, Joseph Galizia, James Shinkle, Colin Reeves, Tamarus Harvell, Terry Gallagher, Gregory Fenner, Christopher McMorris, Leslie Wells, Sean Dolan, Creg Sclavi, Joshua Wheeler, Nick Ferrin andLeslie Collins.

If asked, 'Who was the first Black major league baseball player?' most people would say, 'Jackie Robinson'- and most people would be wrong. The first Black baseball player was Moses Fleetwood Walker and he played for the Toledo Blue Stocking in 1884 in the major leagues. However this is not a story about baseball. This is the trial of a Black man who was as popular in his time as Michael Jordan is in ours. Moses is accused of murdering a white man in a time when Blacks were traditionally lynched without a trial for far less crimes such as looking directly in the eyes of a white man. This is a powerful true story and speaks directly to the mission of the Black Ensemble Theater-to eradicate racism.

The Trial of Moses Fleetwood Walker is a drama with live music representing the era of the play, which takes place in 1891. The music is composed by Jackie Taylor. The Music Director and Arranger is Robert Reddrick. The musicians are Gary Baker (guitar), Justin Dillard (keyboard/conductor), Vinnie Roofe (guitar), Samuel "Savoirfaire" Williams (violin 1) and Lennette Neal (violin 2).

Ticket prices: $55 on Thursdays, and 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.