I Am Who I Am Reviews

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...if you're looking for an even-handed evaluation of Pendergrass' career, walk on by. But if you're a fan of the great vocalist who recorded such hits as "I Don't Love You Anymore," "The Love I Lost" and, of course, "If You Don't Know Me By Now," then you'll have a fine time here. It's a feast of Pendergrass music and the big, live band headed by the incomparable Jimmy Tillman is in typically excellent shape."

SouthtownStar - Highly Recommended

"...Written, directed and produced by Jackie Taylor, Black Ensemble's artistic director, the show is - as are all the productions at the theater - rousing entertainment combined with an inspiring example of struggle and hard times overcome by faith and determination."

Chicago Reader - Recommended

"...There are some genuinely affecting moments, too, courtesy of Rhonda Preston as Ida, Teddy's unsinkable mother. Jimmy Tillman's hard-charging band (playing arrangements by Thomas Washington) holds it all together."

Chicago Free Press - Recommended

"...As a director, Taylor wrings every ounce of energy and professional commitment out of her cast. The crackerjack band, under the leadership of Jimmy Tillman and utilizing the arrangements of Thomas Washington, also gives the show a rousing, go for broke quality."

EpochTimes - Highly Recommended

"...While I was not as into his music as I have been other Black Ensemble stories, I must tell you that the two men who played the role, Rashawn Thompson as "young Teddy" and Kevin McIlvaine, as "mature" Teddy, were both spectacular, each with their special way of handling the growth of the man."

Time Out Chicago - Recommended

"...While glossing over the obvious gossip—who was Teddy with in the accident that crippled him, and how did it happen?—Taylor’s version of Pendergrass’s life seems otherwise convincing, a reasonable consideration of the extraordinary performer who put a certain flavor of sexy music on the map (frankly everything from “Sexual Healing” to Trapped in the Closet owes a debt)."

ChicagoCritic - Recommended

"...Jackie Taylor with Jimmy Tillman’s band utilizing Thomas Washington’s arrangements offer another terrific musical story. This toe-tapping smooth treat adds an inspirational story as a plus."