Dwight Neal, Blake Reasoner, MJ Rawls, Dawn Bless
Black Ensemble Theater
opens its 2020 Season: Season of Change with THE HEALING written and directed by Black Ensemble Theater Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor. THE HEALING (formerly titled Legends: A Civil Rights Movement) will be performed now to April 12, 2020 at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago. Jackie Taylor’s THE HEALING creates an urgent statement against racism and discrimination of any kind. It is a dramatic presentation that speaks to the root of racism and how this disease has affected all of our daily lives. As you travel the journey, you will experience music like What’s Going On, You’ve Got A Friend, Time to Make That Change, Stand By Me, Loves in Need of Love Today and many, many more. THE HEALING may be uncomfortable at times, but audiences will come out of those moments feeling inspired, joyful and ready to make this world a better place. THE HEALING” is a bold musical journey that examines the effects of racism on America, a tribute to those who have fought against it and a demand for it to end. The Healing is a serious call to action that will leave you with hope and an answer to the ongoing question, ‘What can I do?’ It is a call to action—to do something to address the disease of divisiveness rooted in our country.” comments Jackie Taylor. “In order to combat the effects of racism in American we must all heal from this devastating disease. The understanding of racism begins with a healing, and The Healing” is a trans formative musical healing process. |
Leading us through THE HEALING are Dwight Neal and Dawn Bless as The Guides. The Village People, also helping us through this life-changing journey, include Vincent Jordan, Jasmine Bomer, Blake Hawthorn, Colleen Perry, Blake Reasoner, Stewart Romeo, Hannah Simpson and MJ Rawls.
The musicians are led by musical director Robert Reddrick (drums) and include Adam Sherrod on (piano), Gary Baker (guitar) and Mark Miller (bass). Designers include Bek Lambrecht (set), Denise Karczewski (lights, Davis Samba (sound), Jackie Taylor (costumes), DJ Douglas (projections), Nicholas Belanger (technical director). The choreographer is Lemond D. Hayes. Original music is by Jackie Taylor. Jessica Moore is the company stage manager and Daryl Brooks is the Equity stage manager. Tickets www.blackensemble.org (773) 769-4451 or at the Black Ensemble Theater Box Office, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago. Tickets for regular season performances are priced at $55 for Thursdays and Saturday matinees; and $65 on Fridays, Saturday evenings and Sunday matinees. A 10% discount is available for students, seniors, and groups. Previews are $45.The Black Ensemble Theater will continue with the 5 Play Card which allows the holder to see up to 5 plays for $210 which represents a $30% discount on full price tickets. The 5 Play Card is a flexible and can be used in any combination up to five times. For more details or to purchase a Five Play Card contact the box office at 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, www.BlackEnsembleTheater.org or call 773-769-4451. |