The Other Cinderella at Black Ensemble Theater

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...But no matter how big BET gets, one hopes that Taylor's delightful contemporary musical take on Cinderella, which premiered 47 years ago, will always be in the company's repertoire. Featuring songs by Taylor and Michael Philip Ward that blend soul, rock, R&B, and pop (as well as a Janis Joplinesque blues number for Dorothy-yes, that Dorothy, the one from Kansas), it's a funny and unabashedly crowd-pleasing show. The only sour note in this year's updated book is a reference to Cinders's Jamaican Fairy Godmama (Melanie McCullough) having a date with (offstage footman) Jonathan Majors (Cinders's offstage footman is Michael B. Jordan). Given the Majors's current trial on misdemeanor assault charges in the wake of domestic violence allegations, it felt awkward."

Third Coast Review - Highly Recommended

"...I cannot believe that 47 years have passed since the premiere performance of The Other Cinderella. Jackie Taylor came out of Cabrini Green and has emerged as a Chicago legend. Part of the mission of Black Ensemble Theater (BET) is to eradicate racism. Taylor is doing her part by creating plays about the icons of Black musical history like Jackie Wilson and Marvin Gaye. She has also rewritten theater rules by allowing Black people to see themselves in roles traditionally filled by white actors. The Other Cinderella has become another holiday tradition with the music written by Taylor and Michael Philip Ward. Taylor also directs this musical extravaganza featuring some of the finest musical actors."