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BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER CONTINUES 2017 SEASON WITH THE WORLD PREMIERE MUSICAL
LAST DANCER STANDING
(MORE THAN HIP HOP)
WRITTEN, DIRECTED AND CHOREOGRAPHED BY
RUEBEN D. ECHOLES
July 22 – September 3, 2017
Black Ensemble Theater Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor continue the 2017 Season (The Dance Theater Season) with the world premiere musical Last Dancer Standing (More Than Hip Hop), written, directed, and choreographed by Black Ensemble Theater Associate Director Rueben Echoles. Last Dancer Standing (More than Hip Hop) will be performed at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago, July 22 – September 3, 2017. The official press opening is Sunday, July 30, 2017 at 3:00pm.
From Black Ensemble Theater’s Associate Director Rueben Echoles comes a world premiere musical that speaks to audiences of all ages. Last Dancer Standing (More Than Hip Hop) gives us a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes world of the newest (fictional) reality dance competition. Ten of the finest dancers from all across the country—and all different walks of life—battle it out for a chance to win $10,000 and an opportunity to tour with R&B singing sensation Justin Paul. Like most reality shows “Last Dancer Standing” has its full share of humor, tension, drama and conflict. It’s reality TV live on the stage. At the core of the show are ten dancer/actors challenged with all types of routines from hip hop to ballet and everything in between. Who will survive and win? That’s up to our live studio audience. Last Dancer Standing (More Than Hip Hop) is a journey where we learn that no matter what our circumstances are in life, we have much more in common than we think we do.
The cast of Last Dancer Standing (More Than Hip Hop) includes Shari Addison, Deverin Deonte, Lemond Hayes, Renelle Nicole, Linnea Norwood, Alexis J. Roston, Joan Ruffin, Jessica Seals, Andre Teamer, Taylah Thomas, and Kylah Williams. Additional cast to be announced at a later date.
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 (May 6, 7, 12 and 13, 2017); $55 (Thursdays and Saturday matinees) and $65 (Fridays, Saturday evenings and Sunday matinees). There is a 10% discount for students, seniors and groups.
Dates:July 22 - September 3, 2017
Previews: July 22, 23, 28 and 29
Press Performance: Sunday, July 30, 2017 at 3:00 p.m.
Schedule: Thursday: 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, 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.
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), with construction by General Contractor Norcon Inc., is expected in 2017.
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.
