Theatre News Wire

Black Ensemble Theater's Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor announces its 2022 Season of Excellence: The Season of Healings. The 2022 Season includes four World Premiere musicals showcasing the power of healing, each featuring different journeys and a variety of musical genres including gospel, spiritual, soul, jazz, hip-hop, blues, the sounds of the Harlem Renaissance, and more. All performances will be held at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago.

Seating for all performances is limited to 100 people for social distancing purposes. Mainstage shows will run 90 minutes and will be performed without an intermission. There will not be any food or drinks served. Masks are mandatory the entire time you are in the theater.

Jackie Taylor states, "We are in a time of challenges from which we need a healing-and healing is what the 2022 Four Play Season of Excellence is all about. We proclaim that through these outstanding plays, the spirit of the music, the hope and faith experienced thru our stories-we proclaim that Black Ensemble Theater is in the healing business!"

The Black Ensemble Theater's 2022 Season includes:

It's Just Like Coming to Church
Written and Directed by Jackie Taylor
March 20 - April 24, 2022
Previews: March 12, 13, 18 and 19

These vignettes of life's up and downs are truly inspirational, and the music will touch the soul. These joyous and uplifting stories helps us understand the power of forgiveness, self-love, and faith as we move through the trials and tribulations that life brings. It's Just like Coming to Church features music of many different genres including gospel, spiritual, soul, jazz, hip-hop, and blues. If you need a healing this is the place to be.

Grandma's Jukebox
Written and Directed by Michelle Bester
May 29 - June 26, 2022
Previews: May 21, 22, 27 and 28

The spirit of Grandma B. lives on! Without her the family feels lost until they start playing her old jukebox. Through the music from the jukebox, the family comes to understand and accept the power of healing.

My Brother Langston
Written and Directed by Rueben Echoles
August 21 - September 18, 2022
Previews: August 13, 14, 19 and 20

We are in the apartment of Langston Hughes where he entertains prolific and profound legends of the time. On this fascinating journey, accompanied by outstanding music from the Harlem Renaissance, we come to understand why Langston Hughes was considered one of the greatest poets and civil rights leaders of his time and why his poetry continues to speak to us today. His work is a tapestry for healing.

Blue Heaven
Written and Directed by Daryl Brooks
October 30 - November 27, 2022
Previews: October 22, 23, 28 and 29

We are in what looks like a performance venue where four great blues legends - Big Momma Thornton, Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters and Stevie Ray Vaughn - are reminiscing about the ups and downs of their careers while waiting for the "new guy" to show up. They are eager to give him advice about meeting - 'The Boss.' The new guy - B.B. King - arrives and what ensues is a blues concert that is heaven sent! Blue Heaven is guaranteed to heal the soul!