Photo Flash: First Look at DON'T TAKE ME OVER at Black Ensemble Theater

Black Ensemble Theater Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor continue the 40th Anniversary Season (The Season of Greatest Hits) with DON'T MAKE ME OVER (In Tribute to Dionne Warwick), written by Jackie Taylorand directed by Rueben Echoles. DON'T MAKE ME OVER (In Tribute to Dionne Warwick) runs at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago, now through May 15, 2016. The official press opening is Sunday, April 17 at 3:00 pm. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

DON'T MAKE ME OVER (In Tribute to Dionne Warwick) is a historical journey that explores Ms. Warwick's accomplishments over the decades and details her musical contributions. DON'T MAKE ME OVER features 23 of Ms. Warwick's biggest hits including "Walk On By," "Message To Michael," "Alfie" and "I Say A Little Prayer," just to name a few.

Dionne Warwick is the Honorary Chairperson of the 40th Anniversary Season and she will be performing at the Black Ensemble Gala on October 14, 2016. While in Chicago recently, Ms. Warwick gave high praise for the 2006 premiere of Jackie Taylor's DON'T MAKE ME OVER (In Tribute to Dionne Warwick). She commented, "She had all the facts. She had all the right names, all the right places, all the right things that occurred. She did her homework. I saw it twice. I was thrilled!"

The cast includes three performers who play Dionne Warwick at different stages of her life. The cast includes: Kylah Frye (Dionne 1), Renelle Nichole (Dionne 2), Rose Simmons (Dionne 3), Alexis J. Rogers (Ms. Divine the Host), Katrina Richard (Dee Dee Warwick), Toi Overton (Lee) Risha Tenae (Cissy), Dennis Dent (Phillippe/Ensemble),Brandon Eddins (Rudy/Ensemble), William Rowland (Burt/Berry), Gregory Slater (Ensemble).

As with all Black Ensemble productions, the production features the Black Ensemble Theater Musicians. The Musical Director is Robert Reddrick (drums) and the musicians include Danny O'Connor (bass), Herbert Walker (guitar)Justin Dillard and Clovis Bordeaux on piano, and Paul Howard (trumpet), Dudley Owens (saxophone) and Bill McFarland (trombone).

The designers are Rueben Echoles (costumes), Denise Karczewski (lighting), Aaron Quick (sound) and The A Team (set). The production stage manager is Bekki Lembrecht and the Equity stage manager and production manager is Daryl Brooks. Caswell James is the Technical Director.

Photo Credit: Michael Courier