2011 Season
BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER
ANNOUNCES THEIR HISTORICAL
"LEGENDARY SEASON OF RHYTHM & BLUES"
OPENING THE NEW BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER CULTURAL CENTER
Black Ensemble Theater will have a state of the art new home on November 18, 2011 located at 4450 N. Clark Street. This is a legendary time for the 35 year old company – so what better way to celebrate than to open the ne Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center with a LEGENDARY SEASON in our main theater – The Black Ensemble.
Because a production might be extended, we can not tell you what dates the productions will open but we can tell you these are The Next Five Plays
“The Jackie Wilson Story” (NOW THROUGH MARCH 18TH) having been a huge success first opening in 2000 and with a national tour in 2002 which culminated at the famous Apollo Theater in New York, is the perfect production to open this legendary season. Written & Directed by Jackie Taylor, this promises to be a bigger and better production with a few star studded surprises.
“Luther” Luther Ronzoni Vandross was an outstanding singer, song writer and record producer. During his career, Vandross sold over twenty-five million albums and won eight Grammy Awards including Best Male R&B Vocal Performance four times. Luther Vandross was a man of great talent, but also a man of great tragedy. Written by Jasmine Coles and Directed by Black Ensemble Theater’s Associate Director Daryl Brooks ‘Luther’ is a haunting story featuring the beautiful music of Luther Vandross.
“One Name Only” (A Tribute to the Ladies of Soul) - Aretha, Gladys, Patti, Diana and Chaka. Of course we’re talking about the legendary ladies of soul, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knights, Patti LaBelle, Diana Ross and Chaka Khan. What voices, what incredible voices! This will be a tribute like no other – in true Black Ensemble style. And we promise that you’ll learn something about each of these fabulous women that you didn’t know before. Written and Directed by Black Ensemble Theater Associate Director Rueben Echoles.
“Ladies and Gentleman – James Brown” Need we say more? The word genius does not do justice to the gifts of this great talent. What a story and what a roller coaster ride. From poverty to riches to jail, back to riches – well you get our drift. We’re closing our first season in our new home with a big, big, bang! Written by Jimmy Tillman and directed by Jackie Taylor.
