Chester Gregory to Return to Black Ensemble Theater in THE EVE OF JACKIE WILSON, 3/24

Black Ensemble Theater Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor announces the return of Chester Gregory (Sister Act, Hairspray) to Black Ensemble Theater to reprise his award-winning interpretation of Jackie Wilson in his one-man show The Eve of Jackie Wilson. This special engagement will be held Sunday, March 24 at 7:30 p.m., at the new Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago.

In The Eve of Jackie Wilson, Gregory portrays "Mr. Entertainment" Jackie Wilson, live in concert during his final days, revealing another side to the man "who truly gave his all and left it on the stage."

The Eve of Jackie Wilson was written by Crystal Lucas-Perry and Chester Gregory and directed by Da'Vine Joy Randolph (Tony Nominee for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical - Ghost the Musical), with original musical direction by Rob Lewis. Robert Reddrick is the musical director for this Black Ensemble Theater performance. The show premiered to sold-out crowds at New York City's 54 Below in February 2013.

Tickets, priced at $45, are available by calling (773) 769-4451 or online at www.blackensemble.org.

Jackie Taylor comments, "We are so thrilled to produce The Eve of Jackie Wilson with Chester Gregory at Black Ensemble Theater, where he will perform at our new venue for the first time. Ever since starring as Jackie Wilson at Black Ensemble and on tour, we have been so proud of all of his successes. We welcome our Black Ensemble family member back to Chicago for this not-to-be missed one-night show."

Chester Gregory's Broadway credits include Sister Act (Eddie Souther), Hairspray (Seaweed), Cry-Baby (Dupree) and Tarzan (Terk). Other credits include The Jackie Wilson Story (Jeff, AUDELCO, BTAA and Black Excellence Awards), Shrek (Donkey), Dreamgirls (Jimmy Early), Scapin, Hairspray the Movie and performing for Michael Jackson. Gregory holds a BFA from Columbia College Chicago.

In 2000, Gregory originated the role of "Jackie Wilson" in Black Ensemble's World Premiere production of The Jackie Wilson Story (My Heart is Crying, Crying), written, produced and directed by Black Ensemble Theater Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor. The show was an immediate smash hit, and secured a Jeff Award for Gregory. The highly popular national tour was launched in 2002, and culminated at the famous Apollo Theater in New York City, running a record of the most performances of a stage play at this historical New York City landmark.

Founded in 1976, by the phenomenal producer, playwright and actress Jackie Taylor, Black Ensemble Theater is the only African American theater located in the culturally, racially and ethnically diverse north side Uptown community. Through its Five Play Season of Excellence, The Black Ensemble Theater dazzles audiences locally, nationally and internationally with outstanding original musicals that are entertaining, educational and uplifting. The Black Ensemble Theater has produced more than 100 productions and employed over 5,000 artists.

Producing theater of excellence is just one facet of Black Ensemble Theater's programming. We also use the performing arts to help underserved populations see and reach their fullest potential through six educational outreach programs serving low-income communities throughout Chicago.

On November 18, 2011, The Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center opened and is able to accommodate larger-scale productions, bigger audiences and a wider range of educational programming. The new facility includes amenities such as a 299-seat main stage theater (double the capacity of the original venue); 14 offices, classroom space; rehearsal hall, dance studio, scene shop, costume shop, and wardrobe rooms; seven dressing rooms; rehearsal room for musicians; front lobby space with concession areas; and an indoor parking garage. The completion of a 150-seat theater, which will serve as an experimental stage for the work of the Black Playwright Initiative (BPI) is the next expansion for the theater.

The mission of the Black Ensemble Theater Company is to eradicate racism and its devastating effects upon society through the theater arts. For more information on the Black Ensemble Theater Company, visit www.BlackEnsembleTheater.org or call 773-769-4451.