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Jackie Taylor’s
“All About Me”
A Musical Self Portrait
Produced & written by Jackie Taylor
At Black Ensemble Theater
4520 N. Beacon Street
Chicago, IL
Call 312-902-1500, tickets $40
Thursday, December 21 & 28 at 7:30 PM
Running time is 75 minutes without intermission
Through December 28, 2006
Jackie Taylor’s credo:
Courage, Wisdom, Love with memories, forgiveness and self acceptance
Black Ensemble Theater’s founder and guiding spirit, Jackie Taylor, takes the stage in a musical self portrait that finds her pouring out her soul to audiences in one of the bravest, most honest stage performances seen in years. This amazing lady is pure energy, pure creative genius, pure teacher/mentor. Giving a fabulously entertaining performance—who knew that Jackie Taylor could land a song as effectively as she did in thi s straight-from-the-heart 13 song self portrait?
The lady can write songs and plays; she directs, produces and administers the Black Ensemble Theater—and now she woos us with her spirited stagecraft. The lady is a wonderful entertainer—she sings, dances (yes, dances) and delivers her very personal story with a disarming truthfulness that is a trade mark of her writing and, of course, her life. She is a person at peace with herself. She accepts and cherishes life. Her wisdom is telling. Her message is inspirational, positive and heartwarming.
Her songs are both quite personal and universally thematic. From “Happy Endings,” we get into the spirit of optimism and joy. In “Reflections,” we share Taylor’s memories from her humble childhood in the projects to her brother, Joe. “Just Joe,” is an emotionally draining blues number telling of the pain of losing a sibling. “Ease Up Off The Pain” shows her determination to survive and flourish while “Respect My Fellow Human Beings” is her life anthem. She pokes fun with “Country Song” and “The Made Up On The Spot Song” that shows how Black Ensemble creates tunes.
“Strange Blessings,’ “A Mother’s Love,” “No Matter What Race” nicely reflect Taylor’s philosophy of life. The “Spirit Inside of Me” is an up tempo happy song that aptly reflects the goodness and glowing life force that empathetic lady possesses.
There are only two more performances to experience the terrific, engaging, musically outstanding personal portrait of Jackie Taylor—the beloved creative genius behind the Black Ensemble Theater. She is a treasure to behold! Her energy, charisma and commandingly positive vibes make us grateful that she works her miracles here in Chicago. And the lady can perform! Thank you, Jackie!
Highly Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: December 14, 2006
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