BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER ANNOUNCES SPECIAL PERFORMANCES OF LIVING IN THE LIGHT

BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER ANNOUNCES SPECIAL PERFORMANCES OF LIVING IN THE LIGHT

Chicago, Ill. — Black Ensemble Theater’s Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor announces special performances of Living in the Light, starring Bernard Lilly Jr., November 22, 23 and 24 at 7pm, and an extension of the hit musical revue Blue Eyed Soul Sung By Brown Eyed People, written and directed by Jackie Taylor, now playing through November 24, 2024. Living In The Light and Blue Eyed Soul Sung By Brown Eyed People are presented at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago.

Living In The Light is a one act musical performance written by and starring Bernard Lilly Jr., directed and co-created by Jackie Taylor. Lilly is a Black writer, a poet, a teacher, a singer, a musician, an educator and, most recently, a storyteller. Living In The Light is a production for all audiences because it is highly entertaining and is inspirational and dynamic in helping us all understand that it is important to live in our light!

“Bernard is a highly talented young man with a powerful message that deserves to be promoted and put in the spotlight,” states Jackie Taylor. “He is a shining example of power, humility and transformative positive energy. I wish I could promote him to the world. And that is why when he came to me for an opportunity – I gave it to him.”


Living In The Light will be presented for three performances, November 22, 23 and 24 at 7:00 p.m. at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago. Tickets, priced at $50.00, are available at www.blackensemble.org, (773) 769-4451 and at the Black Ensemble Theater Box Office.

Black Ensemble Theater has also extended its hit production of Blue Eyed Soul Sung By Brown Eyed People through November 24, 2024. How many times have you heard a soulful song and just assumed that the singer was Black only to find out – they were not. Music can be the common denominator that unites us all. With songs like “Groovin on A Sunday Afternoon” by the Rascals, “Takin’ It To The Streets by the Doobie Bros,” “Crystal Blue Persuasion” by Tommy James, and many, many more, Blue Eyed Soul Sung By Brown Eyed People will honor and celebrate the music that proves – We are all one!

Jackie Taylor comments, “Many people will read the title and think – what is that about? My answer is—it’s a tribute – A tribute that unites us all as one people. It will leave you inspired, uplifted and wanting to come back for more. And the music is absolutely wonderful.”

The cast of Blue Eyed Soul Sung By Brown Eyed People includes Rhonda Preston (The Voice), Direoce Junirs (Soul), Britt Edwards (Passion), LaRon Jones (Spirit), Taryn Welch (Intellect), Vincent Jordan (Mind), Tia Jemison (Humanity), Raeven Carrol (Lydaya), Trequon Tate (Othello), and Dennis Dent (Barthalamul).

The artistic team is Jackie Taylor (Executive Producer / Writer / Director), Robert Reddrick (Music Director), Denise Karczewski (Set and Lighting Designer), Sean Alvarez (Sound Designer), DJ Douglass (Projection Designer), Issac Ray (Vocal Arranger), Brandon Lewis (Choreographer), Evelyn Danner (Costumes Assistant), Harrison Ornelas (Technical Director), Cat Andrade (Equity Stage Manager). Music Director Robert Reddrick (drums) leads a live band of Adam Sherrod (piano), Oscar Brown Jr. (guitar), and Walter Bass (bass).

Tickets for Blue Eyed Soul Sung By Brown Eyed People are available at www.blackensemble.org, (773) 769-4451 and at the Black Ensemble Theater Box Office, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago. Performances through November 10 are presented Fridays at 8:00pm, Saturdays at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. The four additional performances will be presented on Saturdays and Sundays, November 16, 17, 23, and 24 at 3pm. Tickets are $56.50-$66.50 (fees included). Valet parking is available for $13 (cash only).

Upcoming productions include:

A Gamble On Huff: The Story of Gamble & Huff

Written and Directed by Daryl D. Brooks

December 22, 2024 – January 26, 2025

Previews: December 21, 22 and 28

Press Opening: Sunday, December 29, 2024

Founded by songwriters Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff, Philadelphia International Records was a powerhouse in churning out soul hits by some of the biggest stars in the soul music industry. Groups like the O’Jays, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, and McFadden & Whitehead became a staple at PIR as well as many solo artists like Patti Labelle, Teddy Pendergrass, and Billy Paul. Join us as we tell the story of this dynamic duo from their humble beginnings to their biggest triumphs.

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.

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.


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