THE OTHER CINDERELLA Returns To BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER NOVEMBER 25, 2023 – JANUARY 14, 2024

 BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER CONCLUDES 2023 SEASON OF EXCELLENCE

WITH THE HOLIDAY FAVORITE

THE OTHER CINDERELLA

Written and directed by JACKIE TAYLOR 

NOVEMBER 25, 2023 – JANUARY 14, 2024

Black Ensemble Theater’s Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor announces the return of her holiday classic hit The Other Cinderella. Written and directed by Taylor, The Other Cinderella concludes the hit 2023 Season of Excellence: Rejuvenation and runs November 25, 2023-December 31, 2024. 

It’s the 47th Anniversary of Jackie Taylor’s holiday classic hit The Other Cinderella. It’s been almost five decades, and Cinderella is proving to be ageless. The story line remains the same – Cinderella is from the projects, the Stepmamma works at the Post Office, the Brothers are from the Hood, and the Fairygodmamma hails from Jamaica!

At the helm of the Kingdom of Other is the King and the Queen and everybody – even Dorothy – has soul. This fun-filled story will have you laughing and dancing in the aisles. Of course, The Other Cinderella always brings something new to the party every time she takes the stage, so expect a few intoxicating and wonderful surprises. The Other Cinderella has lasted for many generations because her message is timeless: “You’ll have a lifetime of hopes and dreams of successes and failures in planning life’s scheme – there will always be heartaches that you must go through, but you live through them all – because of the spirit in you.” 

Jackie Taylor joyfully states, “I am so happy to bring back this timeless classic. It warms my heart every time someone asks, ‘is this the year for Cinderella?’ Cinderella has delighted five generations with her sassiness and realness. And I’m looking forward to her being around for at least another 50 years. Long live The Other Cinderella.”

The Other Cinderella features Miciah Lathan (Cinderella), Qiana McNary (Queen), Britt Edwards (Geneva), Michelle Bester (Margarite), Vincent Jordan (King), Cynthia Carter (Stepmama), RJ Griffith (Prince), Brandon Lewis (Page), Blake Reasoner (Brother From the Hood 1), Colleen Perry (Dorothy), Caitlin Dobbins (Lady in Waiting), Dennis Dent (Attendant), Makenzy Jenkins (Duke’s Son), and Melanie McCullough (Fairy Godmomma).

The artistic team is Jackie Taylor (Writer and Director), Robert Reddrick (Music Director), Denise Karczewski (Lights and Set Design), DJ Douglass (Sound Design), Harrison Orneals (Technical Director), and Jessica Moore (Equity Stage Manager).

Tickets 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 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 3:00 and 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. Tickets for previews (November 25, 26, December 1 and 2) are $56.50 and tickets for the regular run (December 3-January 14) are $56.50-$66.50 (fees included).

Masks are optional. Valet parking is available for $10 (cash only).

 

Currently playing at Black Ensemble Theater:

A Taste of Soul

Written & Directed by Daryl D. Brooks

Now running thru October 29, 2023

 

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. For more information on the Black Ensemble Theater Company, visit www.BlackEnsembleTheater.org or call 773-769-4451. 

 

ACT OUT CLOSING: The Other Cinderella at Black Ensemble Theatre #ChiILpicks #review #holidaytheatrefavs

Must close January 13

BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER PRESENTS THE HOLIDAY FAVORITE

JACKIE TAYLOR’S

THE OTHER CINDERELLA

FOR THE FIRST TIME AT

THE NEW BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER CULTURAL CENTER

If you haven't seen this show yet, go already!   The Other Cinderella is highly recommended and makes our ChiILpicks list for Holiday Theatre Favorites.  My nine year old daughter, Sage, and I caught opening night of this rockin' remake of the fairytale classic and were blown away by the talented cast and creative script.  

Sage is all about grrrrl power and has a low tolerance for the typical Cinderella fairy tale genre, so we happily skipped the more traditional Emerald City Cinderella for The Other Cinderella this year.   Sage found great role models in tiny but mighty Alyssa Zopp (Peanut Butter), a girl from the hood who's "one of the boys", and in Ta-Tynisa Wilson's entirely endearing Cinderella portrayal. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the impressive talent of the vocalists, and the soul, Motown vibe of the musical numbers was a welcome break from more traditional, seasonal musical fare.  Sage did grumble that there were too many songs and not enough dialogue, but she's not a huge fan of musicals, to begin with.  Otherwise she was quite enthusiastic about recommending the show.   There's a bit of mellowly mature language, but overall, this is a great, family friendly piece with hilarious characters and and excellent message of empowerment, made modern, yet retaining fun fairy tale elements.   

We sincerely hope The Other Cinderella continues to make a reappearance as a holiday classic for years to come.   The Other Cinderella has returned every other year since 1976.   Sure, the famous coach driver has changed over the years, and cell phones and other updated trappings have appeared and become woven into the ever evolving and changing piece.    But the core message remains as timely and relevant as it was 26 years ago. 

BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER

The Other Cinderella

Written & directed by:    Black Ensemble Theater Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor

Choreographer:             Rueben Echoles

Musical Director:           Robert Reddrick

Dates:                          November 23 – January 13, 2012 

Location:                      Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street.

Ticket prices:                $55 - $65

Box Office:                   Buy online at www.ticketmaster.com or call (773) 769-4451

The most successful of all of the Black Ensemble Theater productions, The Other Cinderella returns every other year since 1976.  It is now a Black Ensemble classic that always features some new twist, turns, and surprises.  The Other Cinderella joyously retells the familiar fairy tale with an Afro-centric twist.  There’s a “Stepmama” who works at the post office, two stepsisters who “don’t do nuthin’,” the brothers are from the ‘hood, Cinderella was born in the projects and the “fairy Godmama” is from Jamaica.  Just as in the “traditional” Cinderella, there is a King, a Queen, and a Prince, but in this kingdom, everybody has soul.  

The Other Cinderella is appropriate for all ages, featuring original music, exciting dances and a heartwarming story that reminds audiences of the greatness of the human spirit.

The mission of the Black Ensemble Theater Company is to eradicate racism and its devastating effects upon society through the theater arts. For more information on the Black Ensemble Theater Company, please visit www.BlackEnsembleTheater.org or call 773-769-4451.

“We are thrilled to bring back our bi-annual hit The Other Cinderella,” says Jackie Taylor. “It’s amazing to witness the many generations that keep returning year after year. The audience is a rainbow of colors, cultures and ages which testifies to how The Other Cinderella delivers a message of love, hope and the importance of believing in yourself that really speaks to the masses.” As with every production there is always something new and exciting coming from the Kingdom of Other.

As with all Black Ensemble Theater productions, Robert Reddrick will serve as musical director charged with making the beautiful original music written by Jackie Taylor and Michael Ward an unforgettable and transformational experience. The Black Ensemble Musicians include Robert Reddrick on drums, Tracy Baker on bass, Herbert Walker on guitar, and Mark Moultrup and Andrea Moore on piano.

The cast includes: Ta-Tynisa Wilson (Cinderella), A’rese Emokpae (The Fairy God Mama), Dawn Bless (Stepmama), Lisa Beasley (Margarite), Jessica Moore (Geneva), Dwight Neal (King), Rhonda Preston (Queen), Lawrence Williams (Prince), Raymond Wise (Page), David Simmons (Attendant), Mandy Lewis (Lady in Waiting), Brandon Holmes (Ground Hog), Alyssa Zopp (Peanut Butter), Malcolm Thompson (Pee Wee) Rueben Echoles (A.B.) and Erin O’Shea (Dorothy.)

The outstanding production team tasked with making this the most magical of all The Other Cinderella’s in the past 35 years includes Dave Ferguson (Set Design), June Saito (Costumes), Denise Karczewski (Lights), Rueben Echoles (Choreography and Wigs), and Sarah Helt (Props). Bekki Lambrecht is the Technical Director, Emily Wall is the production stage manager and Vickie Spires is the company Equity stage manager.

Black Ensemble Theater's world premiere production of "FROM DOO WOP TO HIP HOP" will be featured during Chicago Theater Week.

From Doo Wop to Hip Hop
Written by Jackie Taylor and Rueben Echoles
Directed by Jackie Taylor
February 7, 2013-March 31, 2013
Opening: Sunday, February 10, 2013 at 3:00 p.m.

This melodic look at the Doo Wop era celebrates such iconic groups as The Platters, The Drifters and the Chantels (just to name a few). Since it first premiered in 1995 it has had several revivals because it is indeed a Black Ensemble Theater Treasure. You can't help but snap your fingers to the beat as we take a stroll down memory lane hearing those beautiful songs like Smoke Gets In Your Eyes, This Magic Moment and Maybe while exploring how the successful music of today is related to the magical era of Doo Wop. With the emphasis on Doo Wop music this is a production that brings the '50s into the 21st Century.

The 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 Five 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.

On November 18, 2011, The Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center opened and is able to accommodate larger-scale productions, bigger audiences and a wider range of educational programming. The new facility includes amenities such as a 299-seat main stage theater (double the capacity of the original venue); 14 offices, classroom space; rehearsal hall, dance studio, scene shop, costume shop, and wardrobe rooms; seven dressing rooms; rehearsal room for musicians; front lobby space with concession areas; and an indoor parking garage. The completion of a 150-seat theater, which will serve as an experimental stage for the work of the Black Playwright Initiative (BPI), is expected in 2013

CHI, IL Live Shows on Our Radar Today & Down for the Count

ACT OUT OPENING:   

We'll be there this afternoon and have a full review for you up shortly.  For more info click here for Black Ensemble Theater's Main Site.

The Other Cinderella

Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center,
4450 N. Clark Street, Chicago
  
November 29 – January 13, 2012 

Schedule:                     Wed & Thurs:               7:30 p.m.
                                    Friday:                         8:00 p.m.
                                    Saturday:                     3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Sunday:                       3:00 p.m.
Location:                     Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street.
                                    Valet parking is available.
 

Ticket prices:  $55 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturday matinees; and $65 on Fridays, Saturday evenings, and Sunday matinees. A 10% discount is available for students, seniors, and groups.  Preview tickets are $45.00

Box Office:                   
Buy online at www.ticketmaster.com or call (773) 769-4451



CHI, IL Live Shows on Our Radar Today:   Boogers at Beat Kitchen--noon

Boogers CD release show at Beat Kitchen's Concerts for Kids (**Starting tomorrow-check in with ChiIL Mama/ChiIL Live Shows for our ChiILPicks Holidaze 12 Days of Giveaways--where you can fill your gift list with hundreds of dollars worth of great gift picks for FREE.   We'll be including the brand new Boogers CD and a bunch of kindie favs, video games, books, toys, classes and more!) 


Down for the Count:

It's cold & flu season, ya know.   Apologies to our readers, but sometimes the Mama hat has to come before the ChiIL hat.   Click the links below for our past coverage.   We still gave you the heads up, but had to cancel our in person coverage of the following:

• Moniquilla-Luna Negra--Children's Theatre/ Dance/ Multicultural--Ruth Page
• *Hannukatz The Musical--National Pastime Theater (You can still catch this one--ongoing through Dec 30th!)
• Sones de México Ensemble, 13 B'ak'tun--Mayan Music--Mayne Stage--Multicultural, all ages music
• Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band/Roscoe Bandana--Bottom Lounge--17+ (**past photo feature here**)
• World Inferno Friendship Society (**past photo feature here**)
• We're postponing our video interview with The Boogers, but I'll be out solo to shoot their CD release show at Beat Kitchen at noon today (Sunday) and we will still be reviewing the opening of The Other Cinderella this afternoon at Black Ensemble Theatre.