The Jackie Wilson Story

The spotlight is bright center-stage as the story of Jackie Wilson opens on a scene with Mr. Jackie Wilson lying in a hospital bed, presumably in a coma. Nurses attend to him, and one in particular begins to talk to him as if he can hear her…if only they knew. "Yes, I can hear you," says Jackie Wilson's inner voice. Viewers are immediately transported to the days when Jackie Wilson was still just a kid named Jack, who sang on street corners with his friends. Jackie's childhood sweetheart and first wife, Freida, begins to tell the story of the Jackie she knew before he became the heart throb performer of oldies-but-goodies, like "Lonely Tear Drops."

As the story progresses, we are introduced to Jackie's mother, Eliza Mae, his best friend and manager, B.B., and Jackie's rocket to stardom—his phenomenal voice. Of course, being "Mr. Excitement" and having your name in lights comes with a price, as Jackie begins to associate with the wrong crowd, suffers from disconnections with his family and friends and becomes a victim of his own vices. Everything in the theater seems to dissipate as every heartfelt lyric is sung, as every dance move is performed with such immense passion and every up and down brings you closer into the experience that is Jackie Wilson.

I must admit that after witnessing the story of Jackie Wilson, I dreamt dreams of Mr. Excitement for the next few nights. Never has a production ever made me dream about it, but the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center's story of Jackie Wilson is worth every bit of my imagination.

Prior to seeing the show, I was not sure what to expect because, yeah I had heard the name Jackie Wilson, but I did not know who he was. However, I am forever grateful to the cast and crew of the show because now I have an unforgettable memory of Jackie Wilson: a memory that will always ring with the beautiful and harmonious voice of Jackie and accompanied by the crazy on stage splits.

During intermission, audience members were asked what they thought of the show thus far. Many people responded that Jackie (Kelvin Roston Jr.) was exactly how they remembered him being, everything from his looks, voice, dance moves and mannerisms. Theatergoers were so entrenched with the story that they expressed feeling as if they were actually at one of Jackie's shows, with the added bonus of a sneak peek into his private life.

It's understandable how they could feel that way. It was likely because Jackie's stage presence practically demanded audience participation. I will not lie; I wanted to be one of the women Jackie sang to that night!

Overall, the Black Ensemble's story of Jackie Wilson earned five stars out of five with a standing ovation for the theater's welcoming atmosphere, the amazing live band headed by Robert Reddrick, outstanding costumes and lighting, and for the unbelievable portrayal of Jackie Wilson.

One thing is for sure though, everyone at the Black Ensemble Theater is nothing short of exciting and the Jackie Wilson Story is a must see. The Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center has proudly announced that the story of Jackie Wilson will be playing until March 18^th. Associate Director Rueben Echoles promised an upcoming performance lineup that is sure to please. Greats like Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, Patti LaBelle, and James Brown are coming to the stage in the near future.

For more information on the Jackie Wilson Show, any upcoming shows, and tickets please visit: www.blackensembletheater.org/event/2, or call the Box Office at (773) 769-4451. The Black Ensemble Theater is easily accessible from the CTA's Clark and Montrose bus routes.