Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...Taylor’s score, which has hints of everything from soul to gospel to reggae (the latter in the spirited “Pull It Out by the Root”) gets supple support from musical director Robert Reddrick and three accompanying musicians. At times the internal momentum in the show stops to give us, for example, definitions of other “isms” that divide us, which make it feel more like a college symposium on institutional bias."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...The initial plan was to create a show about the Harlem Renaissance, that great flowering of African-American culture during the 1920s. But as Jackie Taylor, the force behind Chicago's Black Ensemble Theater (BET) explained to the audience after taking bows Sunday for her latest work, she sensed that the state of the nation at this moment demanded something else. So she set her mind on writing, directing and composing a more wide-ranging history: "The Black Renaissance - A Musical Resistance Against Racism.""
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...This pageantlike "musical resistance against racism," written and directed by Jackie Taylor for her Black Ensemble Theater, features original songs as well as spoken testimony describing the long, wearying history of institutionalized racism in America, from colonial days to the present."
Around The Town Chicago - Recommended
"...Granted, those who do attend will bear witness to a highly emotional, educational experience that tells the story of the struggles, trials and tribulations of those who fought the fight against oppression for hundreds of years. Her thoughts were to make sure that our younger theater-goers would have the opportunity to learn more through her music ( she penned the majority of the songs in this musical piece) and narratives about the experience , in order to allow them to step forward and be heard. Black or White, or of any color, makes no difference. There has always been racial injustice in America, land of democracy and free speech! But just what has it cost many in order to get that "free speech?"."
Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended
"...And this production is, indeed, a worthwhile experience. While more educational and inspiring than simply entertaining, Jackie Taylor’s “The Black Renaissance” is a thoughtful, stimulating reminder of how far this country’s come through centuries of racial relations, but of how far backwards we seem to be currently headed. It’s never too late to rectify this dreadful situation and this heartfelt musical revue is just what we need today."
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Highly Recommended
"..."The Black Renaissance" can be considered Jackie Taylor's summation of a lifetime of fighting on the front lines of black pride in the face of racial oppression. She turns a thoughtful, penetrating light on the racial crisis that has hung like a millstone on our country's history throughout its entire history. Patrons who want to be inspired and uplifted by her vision will find much to satisfy them. But theatergoers who basically want a good show on a meaningful topic that doesn't go all soapbox on them will be delighted with the fresh music and enthusiastic professionalism of the cast, with Robert Reddrick booting them home. A meaningful time, and just as important, a good time, should be had by all comers."
The Hawk Chicago - Somewhat Recommended
"...At the end of Sunday’s matinee performance of The Black Renaissance (A Musical Against Racism), playwright, director, and founder of Black Ensemble Theatre Jackie Taylor took the stage with such vibrancy and passion that she seemed to reach out to every audience member individually. Her brief but rousing speech called the audience to action, both in terms of tearing down racism and, in a moment of levity, in donating to her theatre company. Yet the two previous hours of theatre, Taylor’s most recent original undertaking, did not have the same impact as its creator; the simplistic structure of The Black Renaissance, coupled with its lofty subject matter undertaking, makes the show more stagnant than dynamic, more of an experience for the audience to watch than to truly take in."