Chicago Sun Times - Recommended
"...With all-important music direction by Robert Reddrick, "It's Just Like Coming to Church" creates a joyful noise throughout. Bless sets the mood in the opener, a rousing rendition of "Hold on Change is Coming," its thundering, defiant optimism inescapable. Stroud's delivery of "Never Alone" has the reach of a beacon as she delivers a plea for self-compassion in the face of devastating mental health issues. In Jordan's massively vulnerable delivery, "Worth Saving" crescendos to a power that evokes the trumpets of Jericho."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...This 90-minute one act is also praiseworthy for its “big tent” approach to faith and religion, noted in its subtitle, “Welcome to The Church of You.” While God and Jesus are referenced, the cast frequently reminds us that no matter what we believe in, “what we have in common is we all need healing.” Between songs, issues frequently ignored in religious settings, from racism to mental health to domestic abuse, are addressed openly and compassionately."
Windy City Times - Highly Recommended
"...Playgoers anticipating Black Ensemble Theater's customary splendor may be disappointed at the modesty of its first post-pandemic venture. The tailored choir robes boast no "Sister Act" dazzle, the dance choreography is minimal and the sight of roped-off seats facilitating social distancing evoke empty spaces even Robert Reddrick and his hard-working band cannot completely fill yet. It's up to the congregation in this church of YOU, then, to welcome the birth of a new dawn-and if active worship is not within the boundaries of your previous liturgical experience, you have the vocal responders in attendance to provide instruction in expressive affirmation."
Stage and Cinema - Recommended
"...Between the powerful vocals repeatedly on display, the book felt like self-help filler, much like reading the meditation and mindfulness pages of any supermarket glossy magazine than a solid script. The overlong "Anxiety Depression" vignette, with Mr. Jordan comically hidden under a tattered piece of fabric, worked best as a metaphor. The actual visual felt like something out of a senior class theater project. Depression and anxiety are very real things, so the Muppet-like visual here undercut any legitimate point being made by MJ Rawls, and that did a disservice to the poignancy of her performance."
Let's Play at ChicagoNow - Recommended
"...Jackie Taylor’s ‘It’s Just Like Coming To Church’ falls in line with the usual fun with no thrills musicals Black Ensemble is known for producing. However, after years of darkness, this same pattern of light musicals with no tangible substance won’t pay the bills. Founded in 1976 by Jackie Taylor, the Black Ensemble’s mission, which is to eradicate racism and its damaging effects upon our society through the utilization of theater arts, needs to open its doors to other playwrights and directors that can help ignite this mission. Daryl D. Brooks was a great addition, but there are a plethora of outstanding black playwrights and directors that can fill the seats as they aid in the mission."
Around The Town Chicago - Recommended
"...Jackie Taylor's "It's Just Like Coming to Church (Welcome to the Church of You)" is actually more than just coming to church. Are you used to boring sermons? Forget about that! Do you think that you will hear judgy comments from your fellow congregants? Throw that notion out! This production is one of the most joyous events that you can attend these days, and you'll hear some phenomenal music along the way. Ms. Taylor, founder of the Black Ensemble Theatre, authored the entire book of the show and two of the show's sixteen songs."
Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended
"...This production is a wonderful way to welcome back Jackie Taylor’s inspiring and entertaining Black Ensemble Theater. The company’s exciting, stimulating productions have been sorely missed. In this, the first of a four play Season of Excellence, Ms Taylor brings audiences what’s been missing in Chicago Theatre for too long. Titled with the tagline used in every past production, “It’s Almost Like Coming to Church” brings inspiration and artistic healing back to Chicagoland."
Picture This Post - Recommended
"...Unlike the space now commonly carved out for non-believers in other corners of the public square, there is no mention of that here and that might be a turn-off to some. For lovers of Gospel Music and powerful voices, there are sixteen treasures in this play to savor. Perhaps church-appropriate, you won't see much dance and choreography typical of most other Black Ensemble Theater performances. The band is there-this time way up in the rafters-and their groove during a costume-change interlude keeps the musical magic in the air."