The Jackie Wilson Story

Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher and Higher

Black Ensemble Theater is celebrating 50 years of combating racism through compelling stories, engaging storytelling, and music that create a vibrant atmosphere. To honor this significant milestone, Jackie Taylor has revived one of the theater's favorite plays, which she both wrote and directed. The play tells the captivating story of Jackie Wilson, known in the industry as Mr. Entertainment, who possessed a remarkable four-octave vocal range. Wilson passed away at the age of 49 and was a two-time inductee into the Grammy Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. The story of Jackie Wilson premiered in 2000 at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center and enjoyed a successful national tour in 2002. This tour included a record-breaking run at the famous Apollo Theater in New York, which helped the Black Ensemble Theater gain international recognition. Jackie Taylor is an extraordinary storyteller who masterfully captures the tumultuous life and career of one of music's most iconic legends. Her tribute to Jackie Wilson (1934-1984) is a powerful and immersive experience, filled with electrifying energy. The play delves deep into Wilson's complex persona, exploring his reckless womanizing tendencies, his struggles with child support obligations, and the pervasive Jim Crow racism and the betrayals he faced, including being swindled by his manager and exploited by his record company. Taylor captures Wilson's brilliance, which was often overshadowed by the turbulence of his life.

In 2016, to celebrate its 40th anniversary season, Jackie Taylor brought a blast from the past back to the stage with one of Chicago's beloved performers, tenor Kelvin Roston, Jr., in "The Jackie Wilson Story." His performance was a captivating tribute to the crooner. Fast forward to 2026, and this nostalgic revival returns with even more energy for BET's 50th Anniversary, "The Definitive Jackie Wilson." The talented Jaitee Thomas takes on the role with his smooth, vibrant appeal—truly a performer with "good knees." He certainly didn't disappoint on stage. Breon Azell was instrumental in refining the choreography, not just for Jackie, but for the entire cast as well. His keen eye for detail and innovative approach helped bring each movement to life, ensuring a seamless and captivating performance from everyone involved.

The play follows Jackie's career and features over 20 classic hits, including "Lonely Teardrops," "To Be Loved," "Baby Workout," "Whispers Getting Louder," and Sam Cooke's "Having a Party." Rhonda Preston, a veteran actress from BET, delivered a remarkable performance as Jackie Taylor's mother. She excelled in singing "A Mother's Love." The first scene of the play takes place in Wilson's hospital room, where he has been in a coma for nearly nine years. Two doctors are monitoring him. Wilson, paralyzed and unable to speak, begins to narrate from his bed. Before falling into this state, he was about to testify against the mafia when he suffered a heart attack during a performance.

The play starts with Wilson in his hospital bed, his body paralyzed, unable to speak, yet his mind raced with thoughts and memories; Wilson narrates his amazing life and tragic story. Just before succumbing to this debilitating state, he had been on the brink of testifying against the mafia—a crucial moment that could change everything. The adrenaline coursed through him as he prepared to speak out against the menacing forces that had haunted him. But in the midst of that heightened tension, a sudden heart attack struck him down during a performance, robbing him of his voice and the chance to reveal the truth. As he lay there, time felt suspended, and his thoughts swirled with a mix of fear, regret, and lingering determination. Wilson began his career as a boxer in Detroit before becoming a crooner in the doo-wop group Billy Ward and His Dominoes. His influences included his mother and Al Jolson. He later partnered with Berry Gordy and achieved success as a solo artist when he recorded "Reet Petite" in 1957 for the mob-connected Brunswick Records. Additionally, he served as a mentor to Elvis Presley, who, according to the story, covered all of Wilson's hospital bills.

The scenic design was fairly stark, but it complemented the play effectively. There was no need for unnecessary embellishments; all that was required was to watch Mr. Entertainer strut across the stage and deliver powerful ballads that captivated the women of that era. Overall, the cast performed well and was very entertaining, guiding us through the ups and downs of Wilson's electrifying career over the decades.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Black Ensemble Theater

The Jackie Wilson Story

Written and Directed by Jackie Taylor

Choreographed by Breon Arzell

March 7 - April 28, 2026

Thanks for visiting our website. For tickets, please click on the above logo and for additional reveiws, click below.