**** Recommended Elvis Presley was a Black Man named Joe is the new production at Black Ensemble Theatre. At first glance, Jackie Taylor’s tribute to her late brother Joe might seem to be a bit of stretch, but this family story tucked into an Elvis Presley revue just fits. If you’re an Elvis Presley fan like me, then this is the show for you. 4 Spotlights
Janet (Rhonda Preston) and the Ensemble (Direoce Junirs, Dwight Neal, Trequon Tate, Destin Warner) opened the show with the title song, written by Jackie Taylor.
As the show progressed, we heard that Elvis Presley and Joe Taylor had in a lot in common. Elvis grew up poor in Tupelo, Mississippi, Joe grew up poor in Chicago’s Cabrini-Green projects. Elvis played the guitar, Joe played the guitar. Elvis was stationed in Germany, so was Joe. Elvis died young, so did Joe.
Young Janet (Britt Edwards) and her brother, Joe (Dennis Dent), were just nine months apart – so for three months of the year they were the same age! Every Saturday their Mom (Melanie McCullough) would give them 40 cents – a quarter to get in, a nickel for pop and a dime for popcorn – and they’d go to the movies and watch Elvis all day! They loved Elvis and loved singing his music. Dad (Jaitee Thomas) worked hard to support his family.
I loved the way Elvis Presley’s songs blended right into the story. You can expect songs like Teddy Bear, Don’t Be Cruel, Hound Dog and Jailhouse Rock and more – all in Act I.
In Act II you’ll hear Return to Sender, In the Ghetto, All Shook Up, Heartbreak Hotel, Now or Never, I Can’t Stop Loving You and more!
With everyone in the cast blessed with a great voice, the music made the show really special. You will love the finale – a medley of Elvis Presley’s greatest hits, concluding with How Great Thou Art.
As I’ve said before, the music is always outstanding at Black Ensemble Theatre. The wonderful musicians include Robert Reddrick (Musical Director), Oscar Brown Jr. (Bass/Band Leader), Myron Cherry (Drums), Charles “Chip” Dubose (Guitar)
Elvis Presley was a Black Man Named Joe runs through April 20th at Black Ensemble Theatre Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street, Chicago. Valet parking $13 (cash only) is available. Running time is just under two hours with an intermission. Performances are Fridays at 8:00 pm, Saturdays at 3:00 & 8:00 pm, and Sundays at 3:00 pm. Tickets range from $56.50-$66.50 (fees included). FYI (773) 769-4451 or www.blackensemble.org