Photo Flash: First Look at Black Ensemble Theater's FROM DOO WOP TO HIP HOP

From Doo Wop to Hip Hop, written and directed by Black Ensemble Theater Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor and Associate Director Rueben Echoles, features choreography by Rueben Echoles and musical director Robert Reddrick. The production opens tonight, February 24, and runs through April 14, 2013 at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

From Doo Wop to Hip Hop is the story of people who live in the highly affluent neighborhood of Unison Hills. This is an integrated neighborhood made up of people from the music industry. The older folks have all lived their dreams of stardom, and the younger folks are reaching for theirs. The Whites and Blacks who live in Unison Hills have a very special bond, until tragedy hits - a racial tragedy that tears their congenial neighborhood apart. Audiences will hear such great musical classics as "The Great Pretender," "16 Candles," "What's Your Name," "Our Day Will Come" and "Waterfalls," just to name a few. Audiences will also enjoy several other musical genres including rhythm and blues, soul, Hip Hop and everything in between. Musical variety is the name of the game and From Doo Wop to Hip Hop serves it up - big time.

Featuring: Lisa Beasley (Nina), Cynthia F. Carter (Clarice), Danielle Davis (Kayland), Brandon Markell Holmes (Darell), Marquecia Jordan (Tahquesha), John Keating (Frank the Mailman), Monty Montgomery (Melvin), Meghan Murphy (Frances), Dwight Neal (Clarence), Matthew Payne (Marcus), Kelvin Roston Jr. (Brian), Erin O'Shea (Marie), David Simmons (Odell), Christopher B. Straw (Cleveland), Lawrence Williams (Malcolm), Coryandre Wright (J.R.).
Orchestra: Tracy Baker (bass), Robert Reddrick (drums), HerBert Walker (guitar), Mark Moutrup and Andrea Moore (piano).

Designers: Dave Ferguson (Set), Denise Karczewski (Lights), Mike Pierce and Les Spires (Sound), June Saito (Costumes), Helen Latyak (Props), CoCo Lemry (Scenic Painter). Bekki Lambrecht (Technical Director), Emily Wall (Company Stage Manager), Victoria Spires (Equity Stage Manager), and Daryl Brooks (Production Manager).

The regular playing schedule is Wed & Thurs: 7:30 p.m.; Friday: 8:00 p.m.; Saturday: 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; and Sunday: 3:00 p.m. Ticket prices: $55 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturday matinees; and $65 on Fridays, Saturday evenings, and Sunday matinees. A 10% discount is available for students, seniors, and groups. Box Office: 773-769-4451 or online at www.blackensemble.org.

Photo Credit: Danny Nicholas

Christopher B. Straw (Cleveland), Dwight Neal (Clarence), Cynthia F. Carter (Clarice), David Simmons (Odell) and Danielle Davis (Kayland)

Brandon Markell Holmes (Darell), Lawrence Williams (Malcolm), Kelvin Roston Jr. (Brian) and Coryandre Wright (J.R.)

Monty Montgomery (Melvin), Kelvin Roston Jr. (Brian), Brandon Markell Holmes (Darell), David Simmons (Odell), Lawrence Williams (Malcolm) and Matthew Payne (Marcus)