The Jackie Wilson Story at Black Ensemble Theater

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...But when Thomas and the rest of the cast (including Rhonda Preston as Wilson’s mother, Britt Edwards as his first wife, Freda, and Destin Warner as his longtime friend and handler, B.B.) really find the sweet spots in the songs and the heartache in Wilson’s inability to ever be fully satisfied, The Jackie Wilson Story delivers a soulful tribute with spirit and compassion."

Let's Play Theatrical Reviews - Highly Recommended

"...Overall, the cast performed well and was very entertaining, guiding us through the ups and downs of Wilson's electrifying career over the decades."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...Black Ensemble Theater’s 50th Anniversary season goes gangbusters with the return of “The Jackie Wilson Story”, written and directed by Jackie Taylor. This show is one of Taylor’s best productions ever, with not enough superlatives to describe it! Longtime patrons may remember its original 2000 debut or the 2011 and 2016 revivals—as well as its national tour which began in 2002 and culminated at Harlem’s legendary Apollo Theater. For newcomers, the performance offers a vibrant introduction to one of the most electrifying entertainers of the 20th century. Taylor’s script makes clear that Wilson’s brilliance was undeniable, even as his personal choices and the pressures of the music industry complicated his path."

Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended

"...THE JACKIE WILSON STORY is back on stage again in another must-see offering by the always impressive Black Ensemble Theater. Make no mistake, the stellar 50th Anniversary season of Jackie Taylor’s gift to the Chicago Theater Scene is off to a dazzling and spectacular start!"

Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended

"...This isn’t the first time the ensemble’s presented the story of Jackie Wilson, a transformational performer whose style and showmanship influenced peers like James Brown and Elvis Presley and a future mega-superstar by the name of Michael Jackson. It’s first musical salute to the singer was in 2000 and was so successful it prompted a national tour. BE reprised the show again in conjunction with its 40th anniversary a decade ago."