A Season of Healing Begins

It’s Just Like Coming to Church – Black Ensemble Theatre

As we gradually pull ourselves out of the isolation imposed by two-plus years of a crippling pandemic, and try to slowly return to a healthy and safe world, companies, like the Black Ensemble Theater are finally opening their doors again. We still need to wear masks throughout the show and they are offering socially distanced seating. But Jackie Taylor, the tireless, multitalented creative genius who’s the Founder and CEO of this company, has once again brought back her entertaining and inspiring musical productions to Chicago audiences. Written, directed and choreographed by Ms Taylor, this new production, the beginning of the company’s Season of Excellence, faces today’s challenges so the healing can now begin.

Set in The Church of You, Ms Taylor’s original tuneful one-act is an uplifting tale of self-love, faith and forgiveness. It’s a celebration of how we all cope with the many challenges that life tosses our way. Within the sanctity of this church, we’re welcomed by Preach and Deacon Jones, the two strong, charismatic leaders who guide and motivate their congregation. They’re both understanding and all-forgiving, accepting everyone into the safety of their flock. They acknowledge that each of us is part of the community and that we’re all here to embrace and support our brothers and sisters. 

Beset with problems and tribulations, each individual has a unique story to tell. Preach and Deacon Jones explain to the four onstage participants that they form a “choir of griots,” a West African word meaning “storytellers.” And through the group’s shared tales of trouble and success, a 90-minute program of inspirational music evolves. The 16 songs that are magnificently performed are not only gospel, but songs of soul, blues, jazz and even hip-hop. They include the rousing opening number, “Hold On, Change is Coming,” along with Lionel Richie’s “Jesus Is Love,” Stevie Wonder’s “Tomorrow Robins Will Sing,” and Al Green’s “L-O-V-E” and “God Blessed Our Love.” But the song that really spoke to the entire audience, and performed by the talented entire cast, is “Shining Star.”

The powerful cast is led by the incomparable Dawn Bless, as Preach, and Vincent Jordan, as Deacon Jones. Together and individually these two gifted, seasoned performers fill the theatre with their music and the power of faith. The griots include MJ Rawls, Ciarra Stroud, Deshaun Peters and incredible newcomer, Noelle Klyce, who’s vocals truly bring down the house. The onstage band is once again conducted by drummer and musical director-extraordinaire, Robert Reddrick. His brilliant musical combo consists of Adam Sherrod on keyboards, Wayne Jones on bass and Glenn A. Lowe on guitar.

This production is a wonderful way to welcome back Jackie Taylor’s inspiring and entertaining Black Ensemble Theater. The company’s exciting, stimulating productions have been sorely missed. In this, the first of a four play Season of Excellence, Ms Taylor brings audiences what’s been missing in Chicago Theatre for too long. Titled with the tagline used in every past production, “It’s Almost Like Coming to Church” brings inspiration and artistic healing back to Chicagoland.  

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented March 20-April 24 by Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark Street, Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 773-769-4451 or by going to www.blackensemble.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.