OPENING: WOMEN OF SOUL (WITH A TRIBUTE TO THE QUEEN) VIA BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER October 20, 2018 – January 27, 2019

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER TO OPEN

WOMEN OF SOUL 

(WITH A TRIBUTE TO THE QUEEN)

WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY DARYL D. BROOKS

October 20, 2018 – January 27, 2019

Black Ensemble Theater has long been a favorite of ours at ChiIL Live Shows and ChiIL Mama. They're a true Chicago treasure with original productions and world class talent on stage. I'll be out for the Press Opening of Women of Soul, (With a Tribute to the Queen) on October 28th, so check back soon for my full review.

Black Ensemble Theater continues its 2018 Season (Movers and Shakers) with Women of Soul, (With a Tribute to the Queen) written and directed by Black Ensemble Theater Associate Director Daryl D. Brooks. Women of Soul will be performed at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago, beginning October 20, 2018 with an unlimited run.  The press opening is Sunday, October 28 at 3:00pm. 

Women of Soul guides pays tribute to some of the most powerful women in soul music, including Chaka Khan, Diana Ross, Tina Marie, Natalie Cole, Janis Joplin—and a special tribute to Aretha Franklin, just to name a few. This show takes a look at the struggles and the triumphs these women went through to reach the pinnacle of their success. The production of Women of Soul is written and directed by Daryl D. Brooks, whose hits with Black Ensemble include Men of Soul in 2015.

The cast includes Cynthia Carter, Robin DaSilva, Jerica Exum, Hannah Efsits, Dwight Neal, Colleen Perry, Rhonda Preston, Jessica Seals, Aerial Williams, and Jayla Williams-Craig.

The creative team includes Denise Karczewski (set and lighting design), Aaron Quick (projection design), David Samba (sound), Reuben Echoles (costume design), and Nic Bellanger (technical direction).

As with all Black Ensemble Theater productions, Women of Soul features live musicians led by musical director/arranger Robert Reddrick (drums). Musicians include Adam Sherod (keyboards), Dolpha Fowler Jr. (keyboard 2), Mark Miller (bass), and Gary Baker (guitar).

Tickets are available at the Black Ensemble Box Office located at 4450 N. Clark St in Chicago, or online at www.blackensemble.org, or by phone at (773) 769-4451. Tickets are $45 for previews (October 20, 21, 26 and 27), $55 (Saturday matinees) and $65 (Fridays, Saturday evenings and Sunday matinees). A 10% discount is available for students, seniors, and groups.

The Black Ensemble Theater is also selling the Five Play Card which allows the holder to see 5 plays or bring five friends to one play or any combination of 5. The Five Play Card is a great deal at $225 which represents a significant savings of $20.00 per full price ticket.   For more details or to purchase a Five Play Card contact the box office at 773-769-4451. 

Dates: October 20, 2018 – January 27, 2019
Previews: October 20, 21, 26 and 27
Closing: January 27, 2019

Schedule:  
Thursdays:  7:30pm
Fridays:  8:00pm
Saturdays: 3:00pm and 8:00pm
Sundays: 3:00pm

Location:                        
Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street, Chicago
Valet parking is available.

Ticket prices: $45 Previews
$55 on Thursdays and Saturday matinees;
$65 on Fridays, Saturday evenings and Sunday matinees
A 10% discount is available for students, seniors, and groups.
Box Office:  Buy online at www.blackensemble.org or call (773) 769-4451

The 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 Five 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.  For more information on the Black Ensemble Theater Company, visit www.BlackEnsembleTheater.org or call 773-769-4451.