Black Ensemble Theater celebrates 35th season with tributes to music icons

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Updated: August 22, 2011 3:46PM

The Black Ensemble Theater is getting ready to move into its new state-of-the-art home at 4450 N. Clark just in time for its 35th season. A grand opening is slated for Nov. 18, and its most successful alum, Chester Gregory, will be back on stage after several super-busy years on Broadway.

As previously announced here, Gregory will reprise his starring role in “The Jackie Wilson Story” — the role that catapulted him to fame here in 2000, and then, following a national tour in 2002, gained him huge attention when it played at New York’s Apollo Theatre. Written and directed by Jackie Taylor, BET’s founder and artistic director, “The Jackie Wilson Story” is a song-and-dance-filled bio about the thrilling performer often credited with paving the way for the transition of rhythm and blues into soul.

The remainder of BET’s “Legendary Season” will include:

—“The Prophet: The Marvin Gaye Tribute” (Feb. 12-April 1, 2012), a musical revue celebrating the legacy of the man behind such songs as “Mercy, Mercy, Me,” “What’s Goin’ On” and “Save The Children.” Narrated by his youngest sister Zeola Gaye, and written by Barbara Cole and the Marvin Gaye family, it will be directed by Jackie Taylor.

—“Luther” (May 6-June 24, 2012), a musical tribute to Luther Vandross — the singer, songwriter and record producer who sold over 25 million albums and won eight Grammy Awards, but succumbed to poor health at the age of 54. Written by Jasmine Coles, the show will be directed by Black Ensemble Theater’s associate director, Daryl Brooks.

— “One Name Only: Tribute to the Ladies of Soul” (July 29 – Sept. 16), a revue devoted to the galvanic voices and larger-than-life personalities of Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Diana Ross and Chaka Khan, written and directed by BET associate director Rueben Echoles.

— “Ladies and Gentleman—James Brown” (Oct. 14 – Dec. 31, 2012), a roller coaster ride of a story that follows the legendary singer “from poverty to riches to jail, and back to riches.” Written by BET’s veteran musical director, Jimmy Tillman, and directed by Jackie Taylor.

For tickets call (773) 769-4451 or visit www.blackensembletheater.org.