Black Ensemble Theater opens its 50th Anniversary Season with the return of the celebrated musical The Jackie Wilson Story, written and directed by Founder & CEO Jackie Taylor. The production runs March 7-April 26, 2026, at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago. The press opening is Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 3:00pm.
Information and tickets are available at www.blackensemble.org, (773) 769-4451 and at the Black Ensemble Theater Box Office, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago.
Founder, CEO and writer/director of The Jackie Wilson Story Jackie Taylor states, “Throughout the past 50 years, Black Ensemble Theater has welcomed audiences to celebrate Black excellence, history, and artistry through music and storytelling. The season opens with one of our trademark productions—The Jackie Wilson Story, showcasing the story, music, and dance moves of one of our greatest entertainers. As one of Black Ensemble’s biggest hit productions of the past five decades, we welcome back old friends and encourage new audiences to discover the life and legacy of Jackie Wilson.
Originally premiering at Black Ensemble Theater in 2000, The Jackie Wilson Story began a highly successful national tour in 2002, including a record-breaking run at the legendary Apollo Theater in New York. In 2012, The Jackie Wilson Story made history once again by opening the new Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center.
The Jackie Wilson Story chronicles the rise and fall of the legendary R&B singer, known as "Mr. Excitement," from his early hits like "Reet Petite" to his tragic death in 1984. With Black Ensemble’s signature live band, the musical features over 20 classics, including "Lonely Teardrops," "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher," "To Be Loved," and "Baby Workout." This award-winning production continues its remarkable legacy as it opens the 50th Anniversary Season. Experience this thrilling tribute to the most dynamic and electrifying entertainer of all time,
The cast includes: Jaitee Thomas (Jackie Wilson), Destin Warner (BB), Rhonda Preston (Eliza Mae Wilson), Britt Edwards (Freda/Ensemble), Solomon Langley (Sam Cooke/Ensemble), Dennis Dent (Ensemble), Vincent Jordan (Ensemble), Michaela Dukes (Harlene /Ensemble), Raeven Carroll-Lavern (Baker/Ensemble), Ben Woods (Ensemble), Kelcy Taylor (understudy) and Courtney Driver (understudy).
The musicians are: Musical Director Robert Reddrick (drums), Adam Sherrod (keys), Oscar Brown Jr (guitar), Walter Harrington (bass), Corey Wilkes (trumpet), Bill McFarland (trombone), and Mark Felton (saxophone).
Performances are Fridays at 8:00pm, Saturdays at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $69 (fees included). Valet parking is available for $13 (cash only).
The 5-Play Card
Black Ensemble Theatre’s 5-Play Card is a digital ticket package unlike any other. At a cost of $280 (including fees), it offers a savings of $65 over regular ticket prices. One of the greatest perks of the 5-Play Card is its flexibility – use the five tickets any way you want! You can: bring five people to one show, treat yourself to five different shows, or use the 5-Play Card in any ticket number combination until all five tickets are spent.
The 5-Play Card is good for 18 months and becomes active immediately after purchasing. If you buy multiple 5-Play Card packages, please note that a maximum of five tickets can be redeemed on a single show date.
The 50th Anniversary Season continues with:
Muddy Waters: The Hoochie Coochie Man
Directed by Producing Managing Director Daryl D. Brooks
Written by Founder & CEO Jackie Taylor and Jimmy Tillman
June 20-July 26, 2026
Opening: Sunday, June 28 at 3pm
Muddy Waters: The Hoochie Coochie Man is a soul-stirring celebration of the man who popularized the blues and carried its sound around the world. Follow McKinley “Muddy Waters” Morganfield from his humble beginnings in the Mississippi Delta to his groundbreaking success as the Father of Chicago Blues.
Packed with electrifying performances of his iconic hits, Mannish Boy,” “Got My Mojo Working,” and “I’m Your Hoochie Coochie Man”, this exhilarating production explodes with the grit, power, and genius of a true musical revolutionary. Muddy Waters’ influence shaped rock, soul, and rhythm and blues, leaving a legacy that continues to pulse through generations of artists and audiences alike.
“Hey, hey—the blues is alright.”
You Can’t Fake the Funk: A Journey Through Funk Music
Written and directed by Producing Managing Director Daryl D. Brooks
September 5-October 25, 2026
Opening: Sunday, September 13 at 3pm
Hop aboard the Mothership and take a groovy ride back to the era when Afros were high, bell-bottoms were tight, and the music was truly out of sight! You Can’t Fake the Funk: A Journey Through Funk Music is a high-energy, feel-good celebration of the sound that defined a generation.
From Sly and the Family Stone to Parliament-Funkadelic to Earth, Wind & Fire, this electrifying production will have you dancing in the aisles and testifying to the unstoppable power of the Funk. Ya dig?!
Jackie Taylor's The Other Cinderella
Written and directed by Founder & CEO Jackie Taylor
Music by Jackie Taylor and Michael Ward
December 12, 2026-January 24, 2027
Opening: Sunday, December 20, 2025
Jackie Taylor’s The Other Cinderella is a beloved Black Ensemble Theater classic that has delighted audiences for decades. This joyful African American version of the timeless fairy tale is filled with laughter, soul, and heart. In this story, Cinderella is from the projects, the Stepmamma works at the post office, the Fairygodmama hails from Jamaica, and the Brothers from the Hood keep the kingdom jumpin’!
Overflowing with show-stopping songs, vibrant dancing, and unforgettable characters, The Other Cinderella is a treasured family tradition, and the perfect way to close our 50th Anniversary Season, reminding us to embrace our greatness and follow our spirit!
The company will continue with the Plays With A Purpose series for school groups, Black Playwrights Initiative, Soul of a Powerful Woman on June 14, 2026, the annual Gala on October 15, 2026, and the free summer concert series Fridays on the Green.
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 Four 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 and community engagement. For more information on the Black Ensemble Theater Company, visit www.BlackEnsembleTheater.org or call 773-769-4451.