Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center

BET has done it again! Saw Dynamite Divas today and it was FABULOUS, as expected! All of the DIVAS held their own, there was never a dull moment, the band is TOPS, …PERFECT SHOW! Can’t wait for the productions coming up this year. Seen some of them, and won’t hesitate to see them again ’cause we know they’ll be good! Go and see your money well-​spent and leave feeling well entertained!

My husband and I purchased tickets for the Roger/​Chaz Ebert play for our anniversary. High school musicals have better productions. I should know. I’m a high school teacher. The storyline, music, «dance» moves were something I remember from the 1980s while in theater at my high school. I do believe that with the right material or direction, nearly every actor/​actress could be wonderful, but not with this particular script. I so wanted to love this, but I will think twice about purchasing tickets here as I paid 110.00 for two tickets for something my high school could have produced.
The staff was great. That’s why I give two stars rather than one.

Every time I visit this theater I have a blast. The production Sounds So Sweet was no different. I’ve paid three times as much for shows in the theater district and been completely disappointed. The Black Ensemble Theater hits a home run EVERY time.

Love this place but work schedule prevented my from seeing the tribute to Etta James :-(the players are great! The staff is great about feedback whether supporting or ways to improve. Go go and go back!

We went there to see ‘At Last’ and had a really great time. The building is an architectural gem, modern and a bit minimalist. Inside is well laid out, and very appealing as well.
The show was absolutely fantastic. All the staff and volunteers were really friendly, as well as the other theater goers. It’s truly a ‘community’ theater!
We sat front row on the side of the stage and loved our seats. I walked around during intermission a bit and discovered that actually every seat in the house has an excellent view. It’s ‘stadium’ style seating, so you don’t have to worry about a tall person sitting in front of you. It’s rare to see something so well designed and executed!

This was my first visit to the BET and I saw The Etta James Tribute… IT WAS WONDERFUL!
The theater is clean and well laid out and has an appealing décor. The seats are comfortable and angled just right to see the stage from any level. Our group was off to the left and the view was fine, nothing blocked and the sound was AMAZING. The washroom was clean, which is a particular peeve of mine at such places, but no complaints here. The ushers were friendly and very helpful with Information and guidance, not much needed but they were approachable. Bottled water and candy snacks were available for sale during intermissions. Bottled water is allowed in the theater but nothing edible. The audience was diverse and full. Jackie Taylor has done a great job putting together a growing cultural venue not far from downtown Chicago. I’m planning to return for another wonderful experience.

We saw the Etta James tribute. Great show. Well acted and sung, band was great, too. It’s a really well designed venue; the seats are very close to the stage. The sound quality was excellent as well. Staff was warm and welcoming. A bonus was the wonderful accessibility with covered valet parking leading inside to the lobby. We’ll be back for more shows.

My wife and I were in Chicago for our anniversary and decided we wanted to go to a play while we were there. I remembered going to a smaller production play at the Black Rep in St Louis years ago and wanted to see if Chicago had anything similar. We found the Black Ensemble Theater and decided we wanted to give it a try. While we were there, a festival was going on where a different play was being put on each night. We decided on The Trial of Moses «Fleetwood» Walker, as it appeared to have the most interesting story line of the bunch. I had never heard of the Black Ensemble Theater or Moses Walker before, so I didn’t really know what to expect.
I must say that I was very pleasantly surprised! There was plenty street parking and valet available, and their will-​call station was simple and quick. The theater itself is very nice looking and has great seating and sound. The play was AMAZING! And best of all, we were able to do a Q&A with the director & writer about what inspired him, and to offer suggestions.
I highly recommend the Black Ensemble to everyone while visiting Chicago. I had never heard of it before, but I’ll definitely be back!

Went here recently to see a play titled «The Invisible Man». Very good performance by all the actors in the show. Sound quality was real good. Seating was pretty comfortable as well.
Very ideal for students and field trips. Very reasonable prices for a 2 hour show. Will definitely visit again.
Street parking available.

I’ve been here twice on a field trip with my kids and have really enjoyed the plays.
The actors are really good.

Went to see the Curtis Mayfield story. The theater is smaller but roomy therefore no seat is bad and the stage is up close so you Dont miss anything. Anyhow I must add the play was awesome the music was good and the storyline was very informative I learned a lot about Curtis Mayfield A+++

This is one of my favorite places in Chicago. A friend recommended The Jackie Wilson Story… said she had seen it once and wanted to go again. I went with her and the rest is history. I’ve been to every production since then. Each time I go, I marvel at Jackie Taylor, executive director’s genius. She weaves a fabulous story with marvelous music and choreography. The talent is spectacular. I’ve seen ensemble members at The Goodman and The Court Theater recently, some in dramatic and some in musical roles… masters of their craft.
There’s something else I’d like to mention. Important themes are not skirted yet each time I see a play at BE, I leave invigorated and hopeful. It’s a joyful atmosphere and the audience loves to participate. Five out of five stars for Black Ensemble Theater!

Saw Ain’t No Crying the Blues: The Story of Howlin Wolf last night with my husband and it was WONDERFUL!!! Great music, performers, band and staff. Will definitely be back. This theater is a gem. Looking Fwd to seeing It’s All-​Right To Have A Good Time (The Story of Curtis Mayfield) next month.

The new facility is really nice, the vallet parking was really slow and stupid. Me and my family came to see the play about Marvin Gaye, it was done really well, and I really enjoyed the story and actually learned a lot about him that I didn’t know.

I’ve been to 3 shows at Black Ensemble in the past 2 years.
My first time there was in Nov 2010 when my mom, sisters and 2 teenage daughters saw «The Other Cinderella» at the old theater on Beacon. We absolutely loved it. We were thrilled to see it again last weekend
I also saw ONE NAME ONLY in November with my 19 yr old daughter and we both thought it was fabulous. We had front row seats which made
The actors at BE are very talented and the productions are original and wonderful.
One really nice touch is that, after the show, all of the actors stand in a line outside the theater and shake hands with patrons on their way out.
Ticket-​buying tip: call the theater and buy tickets over the phone w/​your credit card and pick them up at Will call on the day of the show. This saves the tickemaster fees which I hate to pay!
Also, take advantage of the onsite valet parking — easy and reasonable ($ 10)
I’m looking forward to seeing more Black Ensemble shows in the future. Highly recommended!

My girls and I came here on a Sunday afternoon and we saw ONE NAME ONLY. I really enjoyed the show. The band was also jamming in the background. nice staff, very polite and friendly. When the show was over, the cast came out and shook hands, took picture and because it was my friends birthday, they sang happy birthday to her, she was real excited and it made her feel special, thanks guys. Lots of street parking or you can valet for $ 10. I parked on the street and paid, I think $ 5.75. They serve snacks, alcoholic beverages, water, soda, juice. The actors took a short break (15 minutes) and then its back to work. Fellow Unilocalers, who have not been here, come on out and catch a show, you will not be disappointed!!! Loved Tanika and Marilyn

Beautiful space, great performances.

Bravo, Bravo!
I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at the «My Brother’s Keeper» play/​musical at the Black Ensemble Theatre this weekend. All of the talent in the room was just amazing — there was tap dancing, singing, and great acting. This is the kind of place that would be a different and fun place to go on a date, or on a fun night with the girls. love to support small community theaters like this, and I like how they help you to learn about black history by telling stories about people that we may not be as familiar with, and making it come to life. I now know all about the Nicholas Brothers and their relationship with Dorothy Dandridge. The theater space is intimate, which is a nice change vs. some of the larger theaters in the city. I left this play feeling inspired, and honored to be in a room with such a talented group of people. The Black Ensemble Theater is a hidden treasure.

I went here with the family to see a play called «The Crooners». I really love the theater and this play was good. I enjoyed the story line and the actors were good and the music amazing. For some reason, the AC decided to take a vacation. It was brutally hot.
I appreciate the work they are doing with the theater and look forward to going to the new location when I’m back home.

This review comes a little too late, but better late than never
We went to watch «Nina Simone: The High Priestess Speaks» in fall 2006. I am a die hard fanatic of Nina Simone, how can I not go? I’ll never forgive myself if I never see this. After all, it is about Nina… Nina, my idol! I didn’t get to see her live… so, I am going to see all performances inspired by her.
I cannot go to anything Nina without getting emotional. The woman has touched my heart in more ways than one. So, here we are, on a cold evening, waiting for the show to start… I am silent and eager, my partner is happy for me.
The show starts with a rendition of «Feeling good» transporting me in to another world. The show continues with different numbers to showcase each stage of Nina’s life… the moment comes when she sings «Four Women». That is when I lost it, I really did! I was quietly sobbing… tears of joy and sadness flowed down my cheeks… only my partner noticed.
The show resumes after half time with more numbers like «Lilac Wine», «Little Girl Blue» and «I Love you Porgy»…more sobbing ensues.
I had the opportunity to meet the cast after the show as they all stood outside the door to thank the audience for coming. I thought that was a nice gesture, you don’t see many artists do that.
That was the last straw for me, I broke down crying and hugged the lady who played Nina. She was so convincing as Nina that I don’t remember her real name, I can only remember her as Nina Simone.
You probably think I am a freak for sobbing during the show but, you have to understand Nina’s music… once you «get» it, there is no other artist who will touch your soul like she does It is hard to listen to songs like «Don’t let me be misunderstood» and «Black is the color of my true love’s hair» and not cry.
The performances were brilliant and the production was flawless. I am happy I went.