Black Ensemble Theater’s Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor announces That's What Friends Are For: Gladys, Dionne and Patti, a musical celebration of sisterhood, soul, and legendary voices written and directed by Producing Managing Director Daryl D. Brooks. The production runs June 7-July 27, 2025, at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago. The press opening is Sunday, June 15, 2025, at 3:00pm.
Three legendary music icons—Patti LaBelle, Dionne Warwick, and Gladys Knight—come together in Las Vegas to kick off their highly anticipated residency. As they gather backstage, memories begin to flow, leading them to reminisce about their deep bond, personal journeys, and the relationships that have shaped them over the decades.
Featuring timeless hits like “Midnight Train to Georgia,” “You Are My Friend,” “Walk on By,” and, of course, “That’s What Friends Are For,” this uplifting musical celebration of friendship and music will have you on your feet, singing along, and reliving the magic of these extraordinary voices.
The cast includes: Rose Marie Simmons (Mature Gladys Knight), Michaela Dukes (Young Gladys Knight), Sybyl Walker (Mature Dionne Warwick), Brianna Buckley (Young Dionne Warwick), Tamara Batiest (Mature Patti LaBelle), Courtney Driver (Young Patti LaBelle/Ensemble), Dennis Dent (Charles Gibbons/ Ensemble), Dwight Neal (Luther Vandross/Ensemble), and Jaitee Thomas (Michael Peterson/Ensemble), and Trequon Tate (Ensemble).
The creative team includes Jackie Taylor (Producer and CEO), Daryl Brooks (Writer/Director), Robert Reddrick (Music Director), Tanji Harper (Choreographer), Denise Karczewski (Lighting Designer), Angie Weber Miller (Set Designer), Gregory Grahm (Costume Designer), D.j. Douglass (Projection Designer), Sean Alvarez (Sound Designer), Robin DaSilva (Vocal Arranger), Rachel West (Master Electrician), Harrison Ornelas (Technical Director) Cat Andrade (Equity Stage Manager) and Olivia Leslie (Equity Assistant Stage Manager).
The musicians are: Robert Reddrick (drums/band leader), Oscar Brown Jr (guitar), Adam Sherrod (keys), and Walter Harrington (bass).
Tickets for That’s What Friends Are For: Gladys, Dionne and Patti are available at www.blackensemble.org, (773) 769-4451 and at the Black Ensemble Theater Box Office, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago. 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 $57.50-$66.50 (taxes and 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 $275, buying a 5-Play Card saves $10 off each individual ticket, giving an average of $55 a ticket as opposed to our standard $65 ticket price. 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.
FACT SHEET
Title: That's What Friends Are For: Gladys, Dionne and Patti
Written and Directed by: Producing Managing Director Daryl D. Brooks
Cast: Rose Marie Simmons (Mature Gladys Knight), Michaela Dukes (Young Gladys Knight), Sybyl Walker (Mature Dionne Warwick), Brianna Buckley (Young Dionne Warwick), Tamara Batiest (Mature Patti LaBelle), Courtney Driver (Young Patti LaBelle/Ensemble), Dennis Dent (Charles Gibbons/ Ensemble), Dwight Neal (Luther Vandross/Ensemble), and Jaitee Thomas (Michael Peterson/Ensemble), Trequon Tate (Ensemble).
Artistic Team: Jackie Taylor (Producer and CEO), Daryl Brooks (Writer/Director), Robert Reddrick (Music Director), Tanji Harper (Choreographer), Denise Karczewski (Lighting Designer), Angie Weber Miller (Set Designer), Gregory Grahm (Costume Designer), D.j. Douglass (Projection Designer), Sean Alvarez (Sound Designer), Robin DaSilva (Vocal Arranger), Rachel West (Master Electrician), Harrison Ornelas (Technical Director) Cat Andrade (Equity Stage Manager) and Olivia Leslie (Equity Assistant Stage Manager).
Schedule: June 7-July 27, 2025
Previews: June 7, 13 and 14, 2025 at 8pm
Regular run: June 15-July 27, 2025
- Fridays at 8pm (performance on Friday, July 4, 2025)
- Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm
- Sundays at 3pm
Press Opening: Sunday, June 15, 2025 at 3:00pm
Location: Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street, Chicago
Valet parking is available for $13 (cash only).
Tickets: $57.50-$67.50 (fees included).
Box Office: The Box Office is located at 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago. (773) 769-4451; www.blackensemble.org
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.