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That's What Friends Are For: Gladys, Dionne and Patti at Black Ensemble Theater

Dates: 6/7/2025 - 7/27/2025

Theatre:

Black Ensemble Theater


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  3. That's What Friends Are For: Gladys, Dionne and Patti


Black Ensemble Theater presents the world premiere of an uplifting musical celebration, highlighting the lives and careers of iconic music legends Patti LaBelle, Dionne Warwick, and Gladys Knight. Written and directed by Daryl D. Brooks, the show takes audiences backstage as the trio reflects on their sisterhood, personal journeys, and the relationships that have shaped their lives. The production features beloved hits such as "Midnight Train to Georgia" and "That's What Friends Are For." The cast includes Rose Marie Simmons, Michaela Dukes, Sybyl Walker, Brianna Buckley, Tamara Batiest, and others, bringing these enduring songs and stories to life.

Cast and Creative team for That's What Friends Are For: Gladys, Dionne and Patti at Black Ensemble Theater

Cast

Rose Marie Simmons

Mature Gladys Knight


Trequon Tate

Ensemble


Jaitee Thomas

Michael Peterson/Ensemble


Dwight Neal

Luther Vandross/Ensemble


Dennis Dent

Charles Gibbons/Ensemble


Courtney Driver

Young Patti LaBelle/Ensemble


Tamara Batiest

Mature Patti LaBelle


Brianna Buckley

Young Dionne Warwick


Sybyl Walker

Mature Dionne Warwick


Michaela Dukes

Young Gladys Knight


Creative Team

Harrison Ornelas

Technical Director


Rachel West

Master Electrician


Tanji Harper

Choreographer


Robin DaSilva

Vocal Arranger


Sean Alvarez

Sound Designer


D.j. Douglass

Projection Designer


Cat Andrade

Equity Stage Manager


Gregory Grahm

Costume Designer


Angie Weber Miller

Set Designer


Denise Karczewski

Lighting Designer


Robert Reddrick

Music Director


Daryl D. Brooks

Director


Daryl D. Brooks

Writer


Jackie Taylor

Producer


Olivia Leslie

Equity Assistant Stage Manager




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