The Black Ensemble Theater opens its 2010 Season and continues its Five Play Season of Excellence Dedicated to the Music with the World Premiere production of “My Brother’s Keeper (The Story of the Nicholas Brothers).” Written by Rueben Echoles and produced and directed by Black Ensemble Theater Founder and Executive Director Jackie Taylor with Assistant Director Daryl Brooks, “My Brother’s Keeper (The Story of the Nicholas Brothers)” vibrantly tells the story behind the greatest tap dancers that ever lived. Running through May 16, preview performances begin March 13 at the Black Ensemble Theater, 4520 N. Beacon Street, with the official press opening on Sunday, March 21 at 3:00pm.
Having danced for nine U.S. presidents, headlined shows all over the world, and appeared in every major television show, nightclub, and theater in America, the Nicholas brothers danced their way into the hearts of millions with successful careers spanning sixty years. Appearing at segregated clubs in the 1930s and in music videos in the 1990s, Fayard and Harold Nicholas dismantled racial barriers and became the most famous dance team of the twentieth century. Starring Rueben Echoles and RaShawn Thompson as the famous Nicholas Brothers, “My Brother’s Keeper (The Story of the Nicholas Brothers)” will showcase the power and excitement of these two dazzling men and share a joyous story with the audience.
“The Nicholas brothers were an extraordinary duo that helped ease the racial tensions in our country when it was at its worst. They touched the hearts of people far and wide and in ‘My Brother’s Keeper (The Story of the Nicholas Brothers)’ we plan to bring their unique spirit to the audience. In true Black Ensemble fashion we expect each and every patron to be toe-tapping their way out of the theater and into the next week,” said Taylor.
Supporting Echoles and Thompson as the remarkable Nicholas Brothers is Dawn Mitchell as their mother, Viola Nicholas; Donald Barnes as the family patriarch, Ulysses Nicholas; Melanie McCullough as Mrs. Fayard Nicholas; and Kylah Frye as Harold Nicholas’ wife, the legendary Dorothy Dandridge. “My Brother’s Keeper (The Story of the Nicholas Brothers)” also stars Allison McCorkle, Carrie, Christopher Kudlacz, Cory Wright, Daryl Brooks, Jessica Moore, Michael Bartlet, Rhonda Preston, and Shakila Grigler.
Musical Director Robert Reddrick and Musical Arranger Thomas Washington are joined by a six-piece orchestra that includes Tracy Baker on bass, Herbert Walker on guitar, Mark Moutrop on piano, Hank Ford on saxophone, Bill McFarland on trombone, and Paul Howard on trumpet.
In addition to directing, Taylor is also costume designer and is joined on the production team by Leah Griffith (stage manager), Denise Karczewski (lighting design), and Carl Ulaszek (set design).
Performance Schedule & Tickets
Running through May 16, performances for “My Brother’s Keeper (The Story of the Nicholas Brothers)” are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. Preview performances will be held Saturday, March 13; Sunday, March 14; Friday, March 19; and Saturday, March 20, with the official press opening on Sunday, March 21 at 3:00 p.m. Preview tickets are priced at $40 and regular tickets are $45. Discounts are available for students, seniors, and groups. Tickets, including group tickets, are available by calling the Black Ensemble Theater Box Office at 773-769-4451, or visiting www.ticketmaster.com. All performances will take place at The Black Ensemble Theater, 4520 N. Beacon Street.
Additionally, there will be a Grand Opening benefit reception following the opening performance on Sunday, March 21, featuring food, drinks and an opportunity to mingle with the cast and company. Tickets for the Grand Opening reception, including prime theater seating, are priced at $100.
The Black Ensemble Theater
The Black Ensemble Theater Company was founded in 1976 by Jackie Taylor, who has written and directed more than 100 productions for the company. In addition to its main stage productions, the Black Ensemble Theater Company produces ‘Plays with a Purpose,’ a series of original youth-oriented musicals, designed to teach students positive life lessons and values, as well as several community-based programs that use theater arts to enhance and enrich the lives of countless youth, students and families.
Black Ensemble Theater is in the final stages of its capital campaign to build a new home for the company, the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center. Of the $15 million needed for the project $13 million has been raised to date. The Black Ensemble Theater expects to break ground and begin construction this summer.
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, please visit www.BlackEnsembleTheater.org or call 773-769-4451.
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