“The Music Is Outstanding!”: Black Ensemble Theater’s ‘A Taste Of Soul’ Is ‘A Must See’ Event

One of Black Ensemble Theater’s best play to date, A Taste Of Soul rocked the weekend’s audience with a mesmerizing selection of some of the best R&B soul songs from the past 30 years. This unique pairing of theater and musical acts is giving BET continual sell-out performances and caters to an exciting audience that loves quality entertainment.

BET Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor announced the world premiere of A Taste of Soul, with a production run starting August 26 through October 15, 2023. The play is written and directed by award winning Producing Managing Director Daryl D. Brooks and is part of The 2023 Season of Excellence: Rejuvenation.

“The 2023 Season of Excellence is subtitled ‘Rejuvenation‘ because the productions will focus on helping to reignite the passion, excitement and energy,” expresses Taylor, “and of returning to the vibrancy and vitality of experiencing a full season of outstanding theater.”

A Taste of Soul is an outstanding musical tribute to a genre of music that has influenced popular culture worldwide. The play depicts how soul music has evolved from its gospel roots to the pop culture sensation of today. With songs from some of R&B’s greatest hit makers like Barry White, Lou Rawls, Al Green, Bobby Caldwell, Gladys Knight and duets from legends like Peaches & Herb, and Ashford & Simpson, Taylor says “A Taste of Soul is more than an appetizer, it is a gigantic musical feast full of fun and laughter – with a little history for good measure.”

A Taste of Soul features an extremely talented cast of performers who sing with the zeal and energy of the original R&B artists. Cast members Qiana McNary (Chef Qiana), Ricky Harris (Chef Ricky), and ensemble members Britt Edwards, Vincent Jordan, Trequon Tate, Percy Nesberry, Makenzie Jenkins, LaRon Jones and Spencer Milford all performed in the front of Chicago’s best band ensemble, led by musical director and arranger Robert Reddrick.

The BET band features Adam Sherod (conductor/keyboards), Myron Cherry (drums), Mike Dangeroux (guitar), Walter Harrington (bass), Bill MacFarland (trombone), Dudley Owens (saxophone), and Isaac Armstead (trumpet).

The artistic team is Jackie Taylor (Executive Producer), Daryl D. Brooks (Writer and Director/Producing Managing Director), Robert Reddrick (Music Director), Reneisha Jenkins (Choreographer), Denise Karczewski (Lighting/Set/Co-Projection Design), Dj Douglass (Sound/Co-Projection Design, Ricky Harris (Vocal Arranger), Harrison Orneals (Technical Director), and Jessica Moore (Equity Stage Manager).

Black Ensemble Theater’s A Taste Of Soul production is considered among the press as ‘one of the best BET stage performances to date’. With tickets available at www.blackensemble.org and at the Black Ensemble Theater Box Office located at 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago, A Taste Of Soul is a must see performance, scheduled from September 3rd through October 15th on Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $56.50-$66.50 with fees included.