Black Ensemble Theater’s Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor announces Blue Heaven, written and directed by Producing Managing Director Daryl D. Brooks. Blue Heaven is a soul-stirring celebration of the Blues featuring the music of Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Big Mama Thornton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and B.B. King. The production runs September 6 – October 26, 2025, at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago. The press opening is Sunday, September 14, 2025, at 3:00pm.
Get ready for a wild, heart-shaking ride through the power of the blues. Blue Heaven is a fierce, funny, and deeply moving new production that takes you on a journey from shame to redemption, from heartbreak to healing, one unforgettable song at a time. Fueled by the legendary sounds of B.B. King, Big Mama Thornton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Muddy Waters, and Howlin’ Wolf, this show doesn’t just entertain, it electrifies. With powerhouse performances, raw emotion, and a whole lot of soul, Blue Heaven proves that the blues isn’t just music, it’s medicine. Whether you’ve lived the blues or just love them, this is your invitation to laugh, cry, reflect, and rejoice. Let the music move you. Come find your Blue Heaven.
The cast of Blue Heaven includes: Lyle Miller (Howlin Wolf), Cynthia Carter (Big Momma Thorton), Dwight Neal (Muddy Waters), JJ Smith (Stevie Ray Vaughn), and Aaron Reese Boseman (BB King).
The creative team includes Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor, Daryl D. Brooks (Writer/Director), Sydney Lynn (Set Design), Denise Karczewski (Light Design), Sean Alvarez (Sound Design), Dj Douglass (Projection Design), Marquecia Jordan (Costume Design), Keith Ryan (Wig Design), Harrison Orneals (Technical Director), Rachel West (Master Electrician), and Sophie Goodard (Equity Stage Manager).
The musicians are: Adam Sherrod (keys), Myron Cherry (drums), Oscar Brown Jr. (guitar) and Walt Harrington (bass).
Tickets for Blue Heaven 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 (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: Blue Heaven
Written and Directed by: Producing Managing Director Daryl D. Brooks
Cast: Lyle Miller (Howlin Wolf), Cynthia Carter (Big Momma Thorton), Dwight Neal (Muddy Waters), JJ Smith (Stevie Ray Vaughn), and Aaron Reese Boseman (BB King)
Artistic Team: Jackie Taylor (Executive Producer), Daryl Brooks (Writer/Director), Sydney Lynn (Set Design), Denise Karczewski (Light Design), Sean Alvarez (Sound Design), Dj Douglass (Projection Design), Marquecia Jordan (Costume Design), Keith Ryan (Wig Design), Harrison Orneals (Technical Director), Rachel West (Master Electrician), and Sophie Goodard (Equity Stage Manager)
Musicians: Adam Sherrod (keys), Myron Cherry (drums), Oscar Brown Jr. (guitar) and Walt Harrington (bass)
Schedule: September 6, 2025 – October 26, 2025
Previews: September 6 at 8pm, September 7 at 3pm and September 12 at 8pm. There is no show on September 13.
Regular run: September 14 – October 26, 2025
Fridays at 8pm
Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm
Sundays at 3pm
Press Opening: Sunday, September 14, 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.