Rueben D. Echoles News

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Michael Urie ignites the night, 'Mamma Mia!' returns, the original musicals 'One Hit Wonders,' 'The Last Ship' and 'Hey! Dancin'!,' a new 'Big Fish' and 'Seussical,' plus all the latest on showtune movies, TV shows and more!

Black Ensemble Theater Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor announces the world premiere musical One Hit Wonders by Black Ensemble Theater Associate Director Rueben D. Echoles and Dawn Bless, directed by Black Ensemble Associate Director Daryl D. Brooks. One Hit Wonders will be presented at the new Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago, today, May 9-June 29, 2014. The official press opening is scheduled for Sunday, May 18, 2014 at 3:00PM.

Black Ensemble Theater Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor announces the world premiere musical One Hit Wonders by Black Ensemble Theater Associate Director Rueben D. Echoles and Dawn Bless, directed by Black Ensemble Associate Director Daryl D. Brooks. One Hit Wonders will be presented at the new Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago, May 9-June 29, 2014. The official press opening is scheduled for Sunday, May 18, 2014 at 3:00PM.

Black Ensemble Theater Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor invites audiences to share in the magic of the holiday season with the world-premiere production of Once Upon A People: A Dancesical, written and directed by Black Ensemble Theater Associate Director Rueben D. Echoles and made possible through a generous grant from Chicago Community Trust. During a limited run, Once Upon A People will enchant audiences of all ages at the new Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago. The showis running now through December 30, 2013 on Mondays, Tuesdays and Sundays in repertory with The Curtis Mayfield Story. TCheck out highlights of the show below!

Once Upon A People is an original African Fairytale that exemplifies the true power of love told through spoken word, spirited music and exhilarating dance. Journey to the mystical land of Mirah where Prince Oba and Princess Erin take us on a fascinating mystical experience that teaches us to embrace the joy of living. A touching and warm adventure, Once Upon A People is perfect for the holiday season!

Once Upon A People is an original African Fairytale that exemplifies the true power of love told through spoken word, spirited music and exhilarating dance. Journey to the mystical land of Mirah where Prince Oba and Princess Erin take us on a fascinating mystical experience that teaches us to embrace the joy of living. A touching and warm adventure, Once Upon A People is perfect for the holiday season!

Black Ensemble Theater announces It's All-Right To Have A Good Time: The Story of Curtis Mayfield produced and written by Black Ensemble Theater Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor with Co-Direction by Jackie Taylor and Daryl D. Brooks. The Story of Curtis Mayfield will be presented at the new Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago as an open run, with previews beginning September 14, 2013. The official press opening is scheduled for Sunday, September 22, 2013 at 3:00PM. Scroll down for a first look at the cast in action!

Black Ensemble Theater announces It's All-Right To Have A Good Time: The Story of Curtis Mayfield produced and written by Black Ensemble Theater Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor with Co-Direction by Jackie Taylor and Daryl D. Brooks. The Story of Curtis Mayfield will be presented at the new Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago as an open run with previews beginning September 14, 2013. The official press opening is scheduled for Sunday, September 22, 2013 at 3:00PM.