Black Ensemble Theater
- Neighborhood: Uptown
- 4520 N. Beacon St.
- Chicago, IL 60640
- 773-769-4451
(5 ratings)
This comfortable, 170-seat, three-quarter thrust theater was home to the Organic Theater Company for seven years ("Bleacher Bums" premiered there in 1977) and later housed Zebra Crossing Theatre. Since 1986 it has been run by the non-Equity Black Ensemble Theater, whose founder and artistic director, Jackie Taylor, has created African-American transformations of classics ("Medea," "Julius Caesar," "The Glass Menagerie," "A Streetcar Named Desire") and a series of affirmative "history musicals" about black composers and artists. A perennial Ensemble favorite is Taylor's "The Other Cinderella," an alternative retelling of the fairy tale with Cinderella as a girl from the projects and the fairy godmother a Jamaican sorceress. Musical director Jimmy Tillman has ensured that the music cooks with power and authenticity, most notably in his recent tributes to Otis Redding, Brooks Benton, Sarah Vaughan, Billy Eckstine and Ella Fitzgerald. Good sight lines and seats, fair acoustics and OK air conditioning.
Getting There
- Cross Streets:
- Wilson and Clark.
- Parking:
- Valet. Valet Parking: $7 cars; $10 vans/trucks.
- Public Transportation:
- Accessible by nearby city bus (Clark-22); elevated train (Red Line-Wilson)
- Wheelchair Access:
- Yes
The Basics
- Hours:
- 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday.
- Admission Price:
- $35
- Theater Genre:
- Ethnic Theater, African American, Drama, and Musical
Features
- Specialties:
- Biographical musicals celebrating black artists.
- Payment Methods:
- American Express, Discover Card, Mastercard, and Visa
- Seating :
- 170
Write a review
Rate Black Ensemble Theater
"Bravo!"
Gobble from hpark - February 23, 2008
I've seen many plays at the Black Ensemble Theatre. They have all been excellent performances. It ranks among the best in performing arts. I es...
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"One of the Best shows I've seen"
FoodLover from glenview - November 14, 2007
Great show. I will go again. The musical performances and talent of these people are amazing. They should go to Broadway. This show in particul...
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What's nearby?
Calendar of Events
Black Ensemble Theater
-
I Am Who I Am (The Story of Teddy Pendergrass)
5/16/2008 - 8:00 PM -
Memphis Soul (The Story of Stax Records)
5/17/2008 - 8:00 PM -
I Am Who I Am (The Story of Teddy Pendergrass)
5/17/2008 - 8:00 PM
