Sep 15, 2025
Jackie Taylor & Darrlyn Kelly @ Blue Heaven Press Show BlackEnsembleTheater.org
seen from France
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Jackie Taylor & Darrlyn Kelly @ Blue Heaven Press Show BlackEnsembleTheater.org
Black Ensemble Theater!
Black Ensemble Theater announces new musical revue
2024 Season of Affirmation with
HITT RECORDS
Written and Directed by Daryl D. Brooks
December 21, 2024 – january, 2025
Chicago, IL— Black Ensemble Theater’s Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor announces the world premiere musical revue as part of the 2024 Season of Affirmation: Protection – Hitt Records, written and directed by Black Ensemble Theater’s Producing Managing Director Daryl D. Brooks.Hitt Records, replacing the previously announced A Gamble on Huff: The Story of Gamble and Huff, runs December 21, 2024 – January 26, 2025, at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago. The press opening is Sunday, December 29, 2024, at 3:00pm.
Join James and Charles Hitt at their vintage record shop, Hitt Records, CDs and Tapes, as they school their nephew and customers on their vast knowledge of music. Together they show that music has no limits but there is nothing new under the sun. Featuring hits from Curtis Mayfield, Phil Collins, Alexander O’Neil, Shalamar, Sister Sledge, The Brothers Johnson, Bob Marley, and many more!
The cast of Hitt Records includes: Lyle Miller, Dennis Dent, Michael Lunder, Vincent Jordan, Rhonda Preston, Qiana McNary, DeVaughn Loman, Dwight Neal, Trequon Tate, Jaitee Thomas, Britt Edwards and Destin Warner.
The creative team is Jackie Taylor (Executive Producer), Daryl D. Brooks (Writer/Director/Producing Managing Director), Robert Reddrick (Music Director), Christopher Chase Carter (Choreographer), Denise Karczewski (Set/Light Designer), Evelyn Danner (Costume Designer), Sean Alvarez (Sound Designer), DJ Douglass (Projection Designer), and Harrison Ornelas (Technical Director).
Under the music direction of Robert Reddrick, the band includes: Adam Sherrod (keys), Eric Troy (keys), Myron Cherry (drums), Oscar Brown, Jr. (bass/band leader), Charles "Chip" Dubose (guitar)
Dawon Washington (saxophone), Antwan Washington (trumpet), and Bill McFarland (trombone).
Tickets for Hitt Records are available at www.blackensemble.org, (773) 769-4451 and at the Black Ensemble Theater Box Office, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago. Performances are Fridays at 8:00pm, Saturdays at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $56.50-$66.50 (fees included). Valet parking is available for $13 (cash only).
The 5-Play Card
Black Ensemble Theatre’s 5-Play Card is a digital ticket package unlike any other. At a cost of $225, buying a 5-Play Card saves $20 off each individual ticket, giving an average of $45 a ticket as opposed to our standard $65 ticket price. One of the greatest perks of the 5-Play Card is its flexibility – use the five tickets any way you want! You can: bring five people to one show, treat yourself to five different shows, or use the 5-Play Card in any ticket number combination until all five tickets are spent.
The 5-Play Card is good for 18 months and becomes active immediately after purchasing. If you buy multiple 5-Play Card packages, please note that a maximum of five tickets can be redeemed on a single show date.
FACT SHEET
Title: Hitt Records
Written and
Directed by: Producing Managing Director Daryl D. Brooks
Cast: Lyle Miller, Dennis Dent, Michael Lunder, Vincent Jordan, Rhonda Preston, Qiana McNary, DeVaughn Loman, Dwight Neal, Trequon Tate, Jaitee Thomas, Britt Edwards, Destin Warner
Artistic Team: Jackie Taylor (Executive Producer), Daryl D. Brooks (Writer/Director) Robert Reddrick (Music Director), Christopher Chase Carter (Choreographer), Denise Karczewski (Set/Light Designer), Evelyn Danner (Costume Designer), Sean Alvarez (Sound Designer), DJ Douglass (Projection Designer), Harrison Ornelas (Technical Director).
Band: Adam Sherrod (keys), Eric Troy (keys), Myron Cherry (drums), Oscar Brown, Jr. (bass/band leader), Charles "Chip" Dubose (guitar)
Dawon Washington (saxophone), Antwan Washington (trumpet), and Bill McFarland (trombone).
Schedule: December 21, 2024 – January 26, 2025
Previews: December 21 at 8pm, December 22 at 3pm
and December 28 at 8pm
Regular run: January 3-26, 2025
Fridays at 8pm
Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm
Sundays at 3pm
Press Opening: Sunday, December 29, 2024, at 3:00pm
Location: Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street, Chicago
Valet parking is available for $13 (cash only).
Tickets: $56.50-$66.50 (fees included)
Box Office: The Box Office is located at 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago.
(773) 769-4451; www.blackensemble.org
Black Ensemble Theater
Founded in 1976, by the phenomenal producer, playwright and actress Jackie Taylor, Black Ensemble Theater is the only African American theater located in the culturally, racially, and ethnically diverse north side Uptown community. Through its Four Play Season of Excellence, The Black Ensemble Theater dazzles audiences locally, nationally, and internationally with outstanding original musicals that are entertaining, educational, and uplifting. The Black Ensemble Theater has produced more than 100 productions and employed over 5,000 artists.
The mission of the Black Ensemble Theater Company is to eradicate racism and its devastating effects upon society through the theater arts and community engagement. For more information on the Black Ensemble Theater Company, visit www.BlackEnsembleTheater.org or call 773-769-4451.
BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER CONTINUES 2024 SEASON OF AFFIRMATION WITH "THE SALON"
A MUSICAL COMEDY ABOUT LEGACY, LOVE and HAIR WRitten and directed by Michelle RenEE Bester
JUNE 8 – JULY 28, 2024
Chicago, IL— Black Ensemble Theater’s Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor announces the next production in the 2024 Season of Affirmation: Protection – The Salon, written and directed by Michelle Reneé Bester. The Salon runs June 8 – July 28, 2024 at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago. The press opening is Sunday, June 16 at 3pm.
Bernadette’s salon has been a place of refuge, love, and community in Chicago since opening their doors in 1974. It’s now 2024 and the doors may have to close due to financial hardship, major changes in the community and new ownership. The staff must come together and save the salon by any means necessary! Through music, dance and shared experiences, the salon will explore black legacy, black excellence and black hair like never before seen!
The cast of The Salon includes Cynthia Carter (Mamma T), Dennis Dent (Hustleman), Makenzy Jenkins (Erin), Vincent Jordan (Johnny), Jaitee Thomas (Jacob), Rose Marie Simmons (Marie) and De’Jah Jervai (Monique), with an ensemble of Trequon Tate, Jared Brown, Shantina Lowe, Raeven Carroll, Bryan Nicholas Carter, and Kendra Turner. Isaiah Engram is the understudy.
The artistic team is Jackie Taylor (Executive Producer), Michelle Reneé Bester (Writer and Director), Robert Reddrick (Music Director), Reneisha Jenkins (Choreographer), Angie Weber Miller (Set Designer), Denise Karczewski (Lighting Designer), Evelyn Danner (Costume Designer), DJ Douglass (Sound Designer), Jessica Moore (Equity Stage Manager) and Harrison Ornelas (Technical Director).
Music Director Robert Reddrick will lead a live band of Mike Dangeroux (guitar), Adam Sherrod (keys), Oscar Brown Jr. (bass), and Myron Cherry (drums).
Tickets for The Salon are available at www.blackensemble.org, (773) 769-4451 and at the Black Ensemble Theater Box Office, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago. Performances are Saturdays at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $56.50-$66.50 (fees included). Valet parking is available for $13 (cash only).
Upcoming productions include:
Jackie Taylor’s Blue Eyed Soul Sung By Brown Eyed People Written and Directed by Jackie Taylor September 14 – November 3, 2024 Press Opening: Sunday, September 22, 2024
How many times have you heard a soulful song and just assumed that the singer was Black only to find out they were not. Music is the common denominator that unites us all. No matter who it’s sung by great music is great music – and Blue Eyed Soul sung by Brown Eyed People will honor and celebrate the music that proves soul is not a color!
A Gamble On Huff: The Story of Gamble & Huff Written and Directed by Daryl D. Brooks December 21, 2024 – January 26, 2025 Previews: December 21, 22 and 28 Press Opening: Sunday, December 29, 2024
Founded by songwriters Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff, Philadelphia International Records was a powerhouse in churning out soul hits by some of the biggest stars in the soul music industry. Groups like the O’Jays, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, and McFadden & Whitehead became a staple at PIR as well as many solo artists like Patti Labelle, Teddy Pendergrass, and Billy Paul. Join us as we tell the story of this dynamic duo from their humble beginnings to their biggest triumphs.
The 5-Play Card Black Ensemble Theatre’s 5-Play Card is a digital ticket package unlike any other. At a cost of $225, buying a 5-Play Card saves $20 off each individual ticket, giving an average of $45 a ticket as opposed to our standard $65 ticket price. One of the greatest perks of the 5-Play Card is its flexibility – use the five tickets any way you want! You can: bring five people to one show, treat yourself to five different shows, or use the 5-Play Card in any ticket number combination until all five tickets are spent.
The 5-Play Card is good for 18 months and becomes active immediately after purchasing. If you buy multiple 5-Play Card packages, please note that a maximum of five tickets can be redeemed on a single show date.
FACT SHEET / The Salon
Title: The Salon Written and Directed by: Michelle Renee Bester
Cast: Cynthia Carter (Mamma T), Dennis Dent (Hustleman), Makenzy Jenkins (Erin), Vincent Jordan (Johnny), Jaitee Thomas (Jacob) and Rose-Marie Simmons (Marie), with an ensemble of Trequon Tate, Jared Brown, Ama Kumonu, Shantina Lowe, Raeven Carroll, Bryan Nicholas Carter, Kentrell Dawson, and Kendra Turner
Artistic Team: Jackie Taylor (Executive Producer), Michelle Renee Bester (Writer and Director), Robert Reddrick (Music Director), Reneisha Jenkins (Choreographer), Angie Weber Miller (Set Designer), Denise Karczewski (Lighting Designer), DJ Douglass (Sound Designer), Jessica Moore (Equity Stage Manager) and Harrison Ornelas (Technical Director)
Band: Robert Reddrick (Music Director / Drums), Mike Dangeroux (Guitar), Adam Sherrod (Keys), Oscar Brown Jr. (Bass), and Myron Cherry (Drums)
Dates: June 8 – July 28, 2024 Previews: June 8, 14 and 15 Press Opening: Sunday, June 16 at 3:00pm Closing Performance: July 28, 2024
Schedule: Saturdays: 3:00pm and 8:00pm Sundays: 3:00pm
Location: Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street, Chicago Valet parking is available for $13 (cash only).
Tickets: $56.50-$66.50 (fees included)
Box Office: The Box Office is located at 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago. (773) 769-4451; www.blackensemble.org
Black Ensemble Theater Founded in 1976, by the phenomenal producer, playwright and actress Jackie Taylor, Black Ensemble Theater is the only African American theater located in the culturally, racially, and ethnically diverse north side Uptown community. Through its Four Play Season of Excellence, The Black Ensemble Theater dazzles audiences locally, nationally, and internationally with outstanding original musicals that are entertaining, educational, and uplifting. The Black Ensemble Theater has produced more than 100 productions and employed over 5,000 artists. The mission of the Black Ensemble Theater Company is to eradicate racism and its devastating effects upon society through the theater arts and community engagement. For more information on the Black Ensemble Theater Company, visit www.BlackEnsembleTheater.org or call 773-769-4451.
#blackensemble #theater #higherlearning
The Salon! Now Playing at BlackEnsembleTheater.org
Take the whole Family!
Thank Us Later!
47 Sammy: The Sammy Davis Jr. Story written and dir by Jackie Taylor. So after my internship, I was in a stagnated place of trying to live like I was still in college but trying to do that in an expensive city with no money. Basically I resisted regular employment while scrambling for money for alcohol and smokes. Anyhoodle, continuing to be spiritually bonded to Mike Dailey, he got a job with the Black Ensemble Theater’s production of Sammy, as a variety of racists and Peter Lawford. There was a student matinee he couldn’t perform so I suddenly I was his Understudy. So I went and saw the show, got the script, saw there was some dancing and freaked out a little. But I was told, no problem, we’ll teach you the steps. One thing lead to another and Mike became unavailable to teach me the steps, so the night before I was in Mike Dobbs (who was also in the show) studio apartment in Lincoln Park kind of high and learning a soft shoe. Since I was still broke, I didn’t have the $1.75 to take public transportation, so I walked from my apartment at Cornelia and Halsted to the old BET space on Beacon in Uptown, and I ran into an individual sitting on a bench at Sheridan and Wilson at 7 AM drinking a bottle of Wild Irish Rose. Turns out he was one of The Drifters and almost narratively placed in my place as a warning to start making better choices. Which of course I didn’t listen to. #retrospective #1995 #blackensembletheater #jackietaylor #sammy #peterlawford #thedrifters #wildirishrose (at Black Ensemble Theater) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5nGn4MJvFt/?igshid=okkku06ozfuv
Very dope space!!! #BlackEnsembleTheater #film #stageplay (at Black Ensemble Theater) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo_cmIEFkik/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1hjv8ep7qj7pg
BARITONE A Day In My Life Chicago Attending JackieTaylor’s #BlackEnsembleTheater • The Legacy Continues #Gala • Together We Are The Change at Chicago's Beautiful #Swissotel #UpperWakerDrive #BrandAmbassador #Hyatt #BMOHarrisBank #HyattDBRG #DonaAndSamuelScottFoundation #ComEd #Shawmut #Allstate #FithThirdBank Ariel #CharityAndAssociatesPC #PerkinsCoie #BridgeviewBankGroup #JonesDay #Chicago #MesirowFinancial #DonAndLizThompson #HyattAtlanta #TheWorldOfHyatt #Hyattblack #LeeHechtHarrison #1063Chicago #CBS #NBC5News #ABC7Chicago #WindyCityLive (at Swissôtel Chicago) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo2rBE7FZTN/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=bb5pcx2iny6q
BARITONE A Day In My Life Chicago Attending JackieTaylor’s #BlackEnsembleTheater • The Legacy Continues #Gala • Together We Are The Change at Chicago's Beautiful #Swissotel #UpperWakerDrive #BrandAmbassador #Hyatt #BMOHarrisBank #HyattDBRG #DonaAndSamuelScottFoundation #ComEd #Shawmut #Allstate #FithThirdBank Ariel #CharityAndAssociatesPC #PerkinsCoie #BridgeviewBankGroup #JonesDay #Chicago #MesirowFinancial #DonAndLizThompson #HyattAtlanta #TheWorldOfHyatt #Hyattblack #LeeHechtHarrison #1063Chicago #CBS #NBC5News #ABC7Chicago #WindyCityLive (at Swissôtel Chicago) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo2p1wkFMgN/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1il49lu065xue