by Rachel Weinberg - April 26, 2026
The blame game’s the thing in this world premiere play from Scooter Pietsch. FAULT is playing at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater....
by Angela Lin - April 25, 2026
For many, Burt Bacharach is a household name, the soundtrack that spans from childhood to adulthood. For some, Bacharach’s name might not ring a bell, but his wide discography of songs that spans decades, mediums, collaborators, and genres is sure to have even the most musically naive audience mem...
by Rachel Weinberg - April 23, 2026
While THE GREAT GATSBY has glimpses of effective songs and character development, the musical doesn’t ultimately live up to the glitz, glamor, and legacy of its source material.
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by Emily Werner - April 20, 2026
What did our critic think of TEATRO VISTA PRODUCTIONS' BOTH AT STEPPENWOLF THEATRE at Teatro Vista Productions?...
by Rachel Weinberg - April 20, 2026
Tarrell Alvin McCraney’s world-premiere play WINDFALL is part somber, part whimsy — which is true to his unique playwriting style. It’s a poignantly topical play, yet sometimes too on the nose. I enjoyed how McCraney blends the hyperreal and the surreal in a play that asks the question: Should...
by Tina St. Angelo - April 18, 2026
What did our critic think of NOEL COWARD'S PRIVATE LIVES at BrightSide Theatre?...
by Tina St. Angelo - April 18, 2026
What did our critic think of HEARTBREAK HOTEL at Marriott Theatre, Lincolnshire IL?...
by Tina St. Angelo - April 20, 2026
What did our critic How great to be known by one name…. Dixie Locke (Anna Louise Bramlett) says that to Elvis Presley about Marlon Brando before Elvis becomes one name. The current production at the Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre is Heartbreak Hotel. This tells the story of Elvis’ rise up to the ...
by Angela Lin - April 18, 2026
What did our critic think of 12 OPHELIAS (A PLAY WITH BROKEN SONGS) at The Factory Theater from Strawdog Theatre Company?...
by Emily Werner - April 14, 2026
What did our critic think of REVIEW: GOODNIGHT MOON AT CHICAGO CHILDREN'S THEATRE at Chicago Children's Theatre? The 65-minute performance is filled with music, dance, comedy, acrobatics and puppetry....
Past Shows
Black Ensemble Theater presents the return of one of its biggest national hits, The Jackie Wilson Story, written and directed by Founder & CEO Jackie Taylor, March 7-April...
A Joyful Celebration of Music, Magic & Community. Get ready to deck the halls and lift your spirits with Black Ensemble’s Holiday Extravaganza—a heartwarming, high-energy musical...
A Soulful Journey of Redemption, Reflection, and the Power of the Blues. Told through electrifying performances and soul-stirring blues, Blue Heaven shines a light on...
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,...
Hitt Records is a new musical revue that explores the rich history of music through the lens of a vintage record shop owned by characters...
The fictional story of Sam King and his singing group, The Harmonies. The Harmonies emulated every popular group from the 1960s. The Harmonies made money,...
Jackie Taylor's The Other Cinderella is the most popular production produced by the Black Ensemble Theater. This most celebrated Black fairy tale returns to the...
Videos