BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER PRESENTS THE STORY OF CURTIS MAYFIELD: IT’S ALL-RIGHT TO HAVE A GOOD TIME; Sept. 14- Oct. 20
Black Ensemble Theater announces The Story of Curtis Mayfield: It’s All-Right To Have A Good Time produced, written and directed by Black Ensemble Theater Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor with Assistant Director Daryl Brooks. The Story of Curtis Mayfield will be presented at the new Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago, September 14 – October 20, 2013.
Black Ensemble’s tribute to Chicago’s own music legend Curtis Mayfield is the story of a musical giant who is equally celebrated as a singer, song writer and record producer. From the anthemic music of The Impressions like “Gypsy Woman,” “I’m So Proud,” “Choice of Colors” to movie hits like “Super Fly,” The Curtis Mayfield Story will bring to vibrant life the rare musical genius that was Curtis Mayfield. Mayfield’s timeless music is known and celebrated all over the world, and he is the winner of the Grammy Legend Award (1994), the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (1995) and a double inductee into both The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1991, 1999) and the Grammy Hall of Fame.
The cast features Reginald Torian as Curtis Mayfield, who replaced Curtis Mayfield in The Impressions in 1970 and remains in the group today. The cast also includes Cecil Jones (Younger Curtis), David Simmons (Older Jerry Butler), Brandon Holmes (Younger Jerry Butler), Brian Nelson (Fred Cash of The Impressions) andDonald Manuel (Sam Gooden of The Impressions). Cast members playing various roles include: Casey Hayes, Rueben Echoles, Jos N. Banks, Mark Hood, Rueben Echoles, Alanna Taylor, Katrina Richardson, Ereatha McCullough and Christina Harper.
Title:
Written &
Directed by: Black Ensemble Theater Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor
and Assistant Director Daryl Brooks.
Musical Director: Robert Reddrick
Dates:
Schedule: Wed & Thurs: 7:30 p.m.
Sunday: 3:00 p.m.
Location: Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street.
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.