Black Ensemble Theater announces Elvis Presley was a Black Man Named Joe, written and directed by Black Ensemble Theater’s Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor. Elvis Presley was a Black Man Named Joe is a true story based on Ms. Taylor’s relationship with her brother Joe and their lifelong fascination with Elvis Presley. The production runs March 1, 2025 – April 20, 2025, at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago. The press opening is Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 3:00pm.
On The surface they were worlds apart. Elvis grew up in Tupelo, Mississippi and Joe grew up in the Cabrini Green Projects in Chicago. They were different - but they were very much the same. You really have to be in the know to understand how Elvis Presley was a Black man named Joe.
The cast of Elvis Presley was a Black Man Named Joe includes: Dennis Dent (Joe), Britt Edwards (Young Janet), Rhonda Preston (Janet #1), Melanie McCullough (Mother), Jaitee Thomas (Father), and ensemble members Direoce Junirs, Trequon Tate, Dwight Neal and Destin Warner.
The creative team includes Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor (Writer/Director), Tia Jemison (Assistant Director), Christopher Chase Carter (Choreographer), Denise Karczewski (Set/Light Designer), DJ Douglass (Projection Designer), Sean Alvarez (Sound Designer), and Cat Andrade (Stage Manager).
Tickets for Elvis Presley was a Black Man Named Joe 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 $56.50-$66.50 (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 $225, buying a 5-Play Card saves $20 off each individual ticket, giving an average of $45 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: Elvis Presley was a Black Man Named Joe
Written and directed by: Executive Producer Jackie Taylor
Cast: Dennis Dent (Joe), Britt Edwards (Young Janet), Rhonda Preston (Janet #1), Melanie McCullough (Mother), Jaitee Thomas (Father), and ensemble members Direoce Junirs, Trequon Tate, Dwight Neal and Destin Warner
Artistic Team: Jackie Taylor (Executive Producer/Writer/Director), Tia Jemison (Assistant Director), Christopher Chase Carter (Choreographer), Denise Karczewski (Set/Light Designer), DJ Douglass (Projection Designer), Sean Alvarez (Sound Designer), and Cat Andrade (Stage Manager).
Schedule: March 1, 2025 – April 20, 2025
Previews: March 1 at 8pm, March 2 at 3pm, March 7 at 8pm and March 8 at 8pm
Regular run: March 9 – April 20, 2025
Fridays at 8pm
Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm
Sundays at 3pm
Press Opening: Sunday, March 9, 2025 at 3:00pm
Location: Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street, Chicago
Valet parking is available for $13 (cash only).
Tickets: $56.50-$66.50 (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.