A single, poignant, whiskey-laced note hangs in the air. It's a woman's deep alto, and the spotlight lingers on her body as her note lingers over the audience, seemingly stopping time before an exuberant cacophony of voices explode into one last chorus leading the intermission curtain fall on Chicago's Black Ensemble Theater

Specialty: Vibrant musical theater celebrating legendary African Americans. Also known for African-American transformations of classics such "Medea," "Julius Ceasar," "The Glass Menagerie," and "A Streetcar Named Desire."
Neighborhood: Uptown
Hours:
Friday, Saturday - 8:00 pm
Sunday - 4:00 pm
Prices: $18.00 and up
Credit Cards: American Express, Optima, Visa
Parking: Free parking next door
ADA: Not recommended

Whether you're a dramatic arts diehard or part-time patron just looking for a change from the more expensive Downtown Theater District, Black Ensemble Theater promises a downright inspiring cast of entertainers every evening (or catch their Sunday afternoon Matinée). While the company takes pride in presenting professional theater to audiences of every age, creed, and color, the niche here is a decidedly African-American take on traditional theater performances. Since its inception in 1976, Black Ensemble Theater has remained the North Side's only professional non-profit African-American theater company.

Artistic Director (and founder) Jackie Taylor skillfully weaves timeless themes with contemporary flair, and the company specializes in affirmative "History Musicals", focusing on black composers and artists. Black Ensemble Theater fans eagerly anticipate the regular return of Taylor's "The Other Cinderella", a version in which Cinderella comes from the projects, and a Jamaican sorceress saves the day as the fairy godmother. And with notable recent tributes to Otis Redding, Brooks Benton, Sarah Vaughan, Billy Eckstine and Ella Fitzgerald, Musical Director Jimmy Tillman guarantees genuine, powerhouse music that exudes infectious energy. This is theater with passion; the heart of traditional storytelling presented with a playful, daring, and eclectic soul.

How's your funky chicken? As cast members ignite the stage during musical performances, such as "The Jackie Wilson Story" or company favorite "The Other Cinderella," theatergoers often find themselves out of their seats and dancing right along. Sit in the front row and join in! For those who prefer to toe-tap from their seats, the proscenium stage in this 170-seat theater has superior sight lines, great acoustics, comfortable seats and air conditioning.

Chicago History: This building was once home to the Organic Theater Company. "Bleacher Bums" premiered here back in 1977.

The Perfect Choice For: Theater aficionados, date night, music lovers