Eracism is alive and well at Black Ensemble Theater.
The mission of the Black Ensemble Theater Company is to eradicate racism and its devastating effects upon society through the theater arts. Check out "a different kind of reality show" opening this Saturday.
Black Ensemble Theater announces the World Premiere of One Name Only (A Different Kind of Reality Show), written and directed by Black Ensemble Associate Director Rueben Echoles. One Name Only will be presented at the new Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago, September 28 – November 11.
Where else but on the Black Ensemble Theater stage can you hear the hits of Aretha, Patti, Gladys, Tina and Whitney – all in one show? One Name Only (A Different Kind of Reality Show) pays tribute to the Ladies of Soul in this exciting world premiere musical. Written and directed by Rueben Echoles, this exciting, fun-filled production is full of dance, comedy and surprise guest appearances by national recording stars, including the one-and-only Dionne Warwick (date to be determined). There will be nights when the production will also feature “guest judges” who are recognized as some of Chicago’s brightest stars and powerhouse singers. A clever mash-up of popular television reality shows, One Name Only is a fresh, unique theatrical experience not to be missed.
One Name Only (A Different Kind of Reality Show) will feature the audience as they will decide the winner for the evening - raising the dramatic stakes and ensuring that every show is different.
As with all Black Ensemble Theater productions, Robert Reddrick will serve as musical director, making the music the centerpiece of the action. The Black Ensemble Musicians include Robert Reddrick on drums, Tracy Baker on bass, Herbert Walker on guitar, Mark Moultry on piano, and horn section Bill McFarland, Paul Howard and Dudley Owens will set the house on fire.
The cast includes Black Ensemble audience favorites such as Katrina Miller (as Gladys Knight and Tina Turner), Dawn Bless (as Patti LaBelle and Aretha Franklin), and Dee Lane, Lydia Brown, Jerica Exum, Monique Miller, Ta-Tynisa Wilson, Ninah Snipes, A’rese Emokepae and Lisa Beasley as the fierce singing competitors, while Terry Francois, Brandon Homes, Lyle Miller and Dwight Neal are the men who round out the cast.
“With our new building, two hit shows since opening the new Center and now this world premiere by Rueben Echoles, Black Ensemble Theater is continuing its banner year,” says Jackie Taylor. “We have assembled a fantastic artistic team to celebrate the Ladies of Soul. We promise surprises throughout the run with special guests and an audience-chosen outcome each night. We look forward to welcoming special guests as we take a timely and fresh look at these icons of American music through the lens of reality television.”
Tickets for One Name Only (A Different Kind of Reality Show) are $55 for Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturday matinees; and $65 on Fridays, Saturday evenings, and Sunday matinees. A 10% discount is available for students, seniors, and groups. Tickets are available by phone, (773) 769-4451, or online,www.ticketmaster.com
FACTS
Title: One Name Only (A Different Kind of Reality Show)
Written & directed by: BE Associate Director Rueben Echoles
Musical Director: Robert Reddrick
Dates: Through November 11, 2012
Schedule: Wed & Thurs: 7:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 p.m.
Saturday: 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Sunday: 3:00 p.m.
Location: Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street.
Valet parking is available.
Ticket prices: $55 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturday matinees; and $65 on Fridays, Saturday evenings, and Sunday matinees. A 10% discount is available for students, seniors, and groups.
Box Office: Buy online at www.ticketmaster.com 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.
On November 18, 2011, The Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center opened and is able to accommodate larger-scale productions, bigger audiences and a wider range of educational programming. The new facility includes amenities such as a 299-seat main stage theater (double the capacity of the original venue); 14 offices, classroom space; rehearsal hall, dance studio, scene shop, costume shop, and wardrobe rooms; seven dressing rooms; rehearsal room for musicians; front lobby space with concession areas; and an indoor parking garage. The completion of a 150-seat theater, which will serve as an experimental stage for the work of the Black Playwright Initiative (BPI), is expected in 2013.
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, please visit www.BlackEnsembleTheater.org or call 773-769-4451.
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