This has always been a fabulous theater I would never change anything about the theater and I will keep coming back and I will always tell my grandchildren this is the best place for a date and learn how to become an actress or learn how to work in theater and you learn a lot from the shows

A true gem! Cozy, warm and great performers!! These are true professionals they love the performing arts and you leave wanting to come back. That atmosphere is so awesome!!! A must see when coming to Chicago.

We saw the Other Cinderella. It was great. From the moment we walked in we were treated wonderfully! The play was funny, creative, and culturally relevant. The theater was a perfect size and a great atmosphere. I plan on coming back for other plays this season.

The Other Cinderella was fantastic! Great venue. Entertaining show. Will definitely be back!

The production I was recently privileged to view was the musical The Other Cinderella Story and it was fabulous! The story itself was a humorous take on the original fairytale were all familiar with. The singing of original songs and acting were exceptional. Because of the smaller-sized theater, the sets and some of the staging had to be improvised but really worked to the advantage of the story-line. The theater itself is beautifully modern architecture and decor with comfortable seating that includes a balcony. Tickets were a little pricey, but well below the typical theater ticket prices youd expect in the Chicagoland metro area. After the play, there was a solicitation for donations to help their cause (as it is a community theater of sorts), and then we were able to meet and congratulate the players in the lobby one-on-one.All in all, I would recommend this theater and any of its productions for a night of cultural entertainment well spent.

I enjoyed almost every moment! From the convenient Valet Parking at the beginning, very entertaining production, brief intermission, and (again) the convenience of the adjoining parking garage!! The star-stealer, for me, was the line for refreshments.I would suggest finding a more expedient check-out system for snacks/refreshments. Perhaps a vending machine for the snacks freeing up the line for those who desired liquid refreshments.

The atmosphere was charged with anticipation and the venue was very nice.

I love going to the Black ensemble theatre. The people there are very friendly. After the play the cast has been know to take pictures with you. I have sooo much fun with my family. And its very affordable to go.️

A theater in the round. Friendly and helpful ushers who escort you to your seat. Even the Valet is phenomenal! Small cash bar in the lobby. Great venue.

I love every production I have ever seen here! The acting and music is wonderful! You have a great view no matter where you are seated.

Loved every second of the cast, to the performances, to just getting greeted at the door. I loved all the energy in that place. Especially that us a black folks can come together and create and encourage each other.

Great theatre. Has numerous acts. I enjoy the closeness of the seats to the stage. You feel part of the show. Parking next door availability to walk right in. A plus.

The parking was great (Valet). I like the way the seating was arranged in the theater. Also, the Play was great...comical. Actors were awesome!

What a wonderful performance - exposing the plaque of death in the black community and proffering possible solutions. To react or to respond?Respond dont react. Lets stop the cycle of death; let peace and love reign.

Excellent theater! Friendly staff; great venue, Just saw a Journey through Funk which was very engaging and entertaining. My only recommendation is that they add “Make My Funk the P-Funk” and Reasons!

Superb conpact space, we saw Mahalia Jackson, very moving with incredible, moving, and soulful voices. Looks like a Chiluly glass chandelier over the staircase, every seat has great views, with a theater in the half round and balcony.

My parents and I bought tickets for the Lena Horne and Nancy Wilson Style & Grace tribute on a Saturday night and were absolutely blown away by the theater itself as well as the performances! Student tickets are $30 and there are discounts for seniors as well. The theater is the perfect size, a good size lower level and smaller upper level. There is not a bad seat in the house! The seats are comfortable and the cast was absolutely talented. I will be returning for future performances.

Really great entertainment. I truly enjoyed the performance. The performers were great and friendly. Interactive with the audience.

Loved loved loved the plays. Pricing is reasonable for the performances. Parking is challenging, so take advantage of the valet if offered.

Ive never seen a bad performance and I look the talent that is exposed in every shoe I have attended.I look forward to seeing cast members in mainstream productions soon.

Best shows ever. Must have more shows, I enjoy them all. Keep up the good work.

Exceptional experience, I can’t wait to return. Easy to get to, easy parking, beautiful facility and an excellent lineup of shows.

The performance of The Other Cinderella was excellent. I laughed till I cried. Great sing and dancing. I would recommend it for the whole family, from young to old. And, the valet parking is so worth it!

The whole experience was excellent, from start to finish. I encourage anyone who has the time to go and support this amazing establishment!

Great entertainment. Valet parking inside the building. Stage is very close.Great Experience

We had an excellent time!

The venue is great and you cant best the $10 valet parking right next door. The play was fantastic as always

We had an excellent time, the staff was friendly and facility was clean, modern and well maintained. The musical production was worth seeing again.

A wonderful experience. My 8-year-old loved every minute of The Other Cinderella

Clean and so friendly environments

This venue is an awesome place to experience and celebrate African American culture in a theatrical setting. Thank you Jackie Taylor!!

This is my first visit but not my last. Love the production. The atmosphere is fantastic.

Great thearter and I enjoy auditioning and I also just went to the OTHER CINDERELLA PLAY, awesome just awesome

Love the atmosphere and the very friendly and professional staff. The play “The Other cinderella was awesome”. Will definitely return. Great outing with my Delta Sorors️️

I love this theater. I was there to see a play by Lena Horne. The staff that works there are always smiling and very nice and professional. I cant wait til i go back. Thanks for the valet parking which is affordable.

I attended a comedy show that my friends company produced (check out the Creative Cypher!)This venue is really nice and there isnt a bad seat in the house!

Intimate setting. Cozy, pleasant atmosphere. An excellent performance, beautiful costumes, and an interactive cast created a glimpse into the lives of the late greats, Nancy Wilson and Lena Horne. There is even on site valet parking available.

I have attended plays here on several occasions and each time has been a wonderful experience. Building and facilities are always well-maintained and very clean. The staff is always courteous and helpful. The cast is always extremely talented and I have no problem going back down memory lane and enjoying myself thoroughly! I absolutely love this place.

Got to visit this little known gem of a theater with my students for a field trip. On the North side of Chicago but pretty easily accessible from Lake Shore Drive. Easy to find and the theater personnel were very friendly and helpful. The children loved having a new experience of watching an interactive play, which made the experience even more rewarding.

Love this theater and its wonderful productions. Jackie Taylor is one talented, gifted lady!

I went to see the show You cant fake the funk and it was awesome!! It was a musical journey that was fun and educational! I had a blast!!

Amazing performance by a very talented group of actors. The theatre is very cozy. Not a bad seat in the house.

I’ve done the new directions teen program and it was really good!!!!! Hope to do it again

Im never disappointed with a show and guaranteed to learn something new about music artists every time. On this visit I attended The Women of Soul show which in my opinion was one of the best. I believe it will be running until January 27, 2018. I sang and danced in my seat with the actors/actresses like I was apart of the show. Truly enjoyed my Sunday afternoon. I have an indescribable love for this jewel.

Great service. Food was great. Dominique was our server. She was Great

I loved The Other Cinderella; it was excellent!!! Well worth the time and money.

Great way to enjoy history. Loving staff.

Awesome plays go see the other Cinderella take your family

Really enjoy watching their shows. Always exciting with a touch of history.

Its an amazing experience and the service is great I love Kevin Tyler hes awesome and Im grateful he invited us

Its like going to a block party. You can forget for a minute and just enjoy. I had FUN

Nice and friendly people. The performance was divine.

Great talent on stage. Beautiful theater environment.

GREAT AS USUAL!! WENT TO SEE AN ORIGINAL WORK WRITREN BY THE OWNER JACKIE TAYLOR MUSICAL TITLED THE OTHER CINDERELLA !!

I went to see Mahalia Jackson. It was spectacular. The theater is small but that what made it even more special. It was like a small community together singing the gospel.

A hidden jewel for my wife and I. $70 for parking and show.

As always it was a most enjoyable evening. The singers are FABULOUS. The storyline was very interesting.The performer who played Mahalia sound so much Mahalia Jackson.Once again Jackie out did herself. She always select the perfect cast member for each part.Its so amazing to see how she has grown. A long time from BeacomStreet. Waiting with much participation for another dream of hers to come to present her restaurant. I know it will happen.Jackie, keep doing what you are doing.

I truly enjoyed You Cant Fake the Funk, it was a lot of fun. Being a teenager in the late 60s and 70s, this music brought back a lot of good memorirs.

Simply wonderful ️ every cast member was great

I had a great time at the Bew Years Celebration.

Best Theater on the Planet. Conscious, Gritty, Meaningful, Uplifting Work ALL THE TIME!

I love the Black Ensemble theater. Always great entertainment.

Staff very friendly. Play was phenomenal!!!

Great show. Loved the funk! Very good cast, and the band was tight. Go see!

Warm greetings from the time you pull into the valet until you get escorted to your seat. The founder, Jackie Taylor is usually there to greet you with big smile and a thank you for your support.The BET performers are so talented and stay around for comments and pictures after the show.BET feels like home to me.

The show play with a purpose Urban Love story was excellent

I normally love the Black Ensemble Theater and I was so very excited when I got hired for a job there. We had a set schedule at auditions and then they kept changing the rehearsals schedule (at least 2-3 times; every professional production I’ve been involved in has never done this) then though I tried to work out those dates while being involved in others, I was fired for the new random schedule that was not discussed not being able to fit my schedule, . (Though I only would leave early on one rehearsal date.) Very unprofessional sad to say.

Best live plays, beautiful cast. Great singing

It was very nice. I truly enjoyed everything...I be going back for more. It was more then I expected...

Really great venue with wonderful entertainment!! Todays show, You Cant Fake The Funk, was truly entertaining & WONDERFUL!!

Amazing performers! Arrive early as parking is horrible, but there is valet at the theater and they only take cash for valet.

Love this place! The plays are always amazing, well written, and the performers are great. Saw the story of Mahalia Jackson this time. Really good place for an afternoon or evening out.

Jackie puts together the best shows.

We had a great time.

This place is beautiful, good show everyone was enjoying the play, after the show you met the actors.

Awesome experience. Great hospitality, pleasant and courteous staff.

Great atmosphere and people great parking as well

Wonderful theater, plays and music which makes a great experience

Experienced Journey through Funk music. It was a Blast Can you dig it!

What a great theater. The performance we saw on Lena Horne and Nancy Wilson was wonderful, and it was a great experience to learn about these talented singers.

I enjoyed the musical so much that, I bought tickets to the next show.Its nice to go to the theater again.

Excellent place to be moved by local artists telling local compelling stories.Beautiful and comfortable venuy as well.

I really enjoyed myself there. Every seat in the house was great!! I was in the balcony and i believe i had a better view than the 1st row. Im looking forward to seeing another play there!

A beautiful theater with good atmosphere and great seating. Everyone is so kind and accommodating from the time you enter (you are welcomed into the building) to the time you leave (they thank you for coming). We saw New Attitude: A Tribute to Patti LaBelle. It was one of the best shows Ive seen. A definite Broadway worthy show. You will not be disappointed.

Awesome, great songs, dancing, u know the black spin on it, godmother was Jamaican Idris was one of the men in the carriage, they addressed dark skin issues, injustice, lots of thing it was well done, had some comedy too

I really had The most fantastic time ever!!! Outstanding!!

Easy to find.Event parking.Friendly staff.Small stage.Perfect audio.Photo backdrop.Great show.

Had a wonderful time. With family and friendsThe cast in the Womens of soul was AWESOME. The food was great. Yes I can say this was a, Remember night. that..

Enjoyed The Jackie Wilson show here among so many others. Really great venue with great seats everywhere. I appreciate the super hospitality and really good selection of great shows reflecting the diaspora. Thanks so very much for the entertainment!

I loved the performance it was great. Would recommend it.

Excellent area, parking right at theater. Friendly, an professional

I really enjoyed the show, it was a great great performance

VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT I BOUGHT $300.00 WORTH OF TICKETS &ACCIDENTALLY SELECTED THE WRONG DATES I NEVER ASKED TO BE REFUNDED ALL I NEEDED WAS TO CHANGE TO THE CORRECT DATE SO I CALLED &CATHY IMMEDIATELY START LIEING I TOLD HER I BOUGHT TICKETS FOR MY MOMS BDAY AND SHE WASNT AVAILABLE ON THE DAY I MISTAKENLY CHOSE SHE THEN SAID WELL THEY ARE SOLD OUT FOR THE DAY YOU CHOSE I TOLD HER THAT WAS NOT TRUE BECAUSE WHILE TALKING TO HER I WAS LOOKING AT THE TICKETS SHE THEN TOLD ME TO HOLD ON WHILE SHE SPOKE TO SOMEONE SHE CAME BACK TO THE OHONE AND SAID CALL BACK MONDAYREALLY THE SHOW IS TODAY YEA IT WAS MY FAULT AN HONEST MISTAKE BUT WHY THE LIES

What a great afternoon at the theater. Very enjoyable and relaxing. Professional production. New Life Celebration Christian Academy.Dolton, I

A Beautiful place to attend and you will learn a lot

Wonderful experience. Like going to church for the Mahalia Jackson show. The cast was outstanding, especially Robin DaSilva.

Best musical plays! All biographies of famous black singers through out the ages!

The atmosphere is electrifying!! I had such a wonderful time and all my expectations were exceeded!! You wont find better singers and performers anywhere else in Chicago! I cant wait to go back

I will tell other about this wonderful place to enjoy a great night out with a awesome performance. I really had a great time loved the history of Mahalia Jackson and all the hymns that was sung.

Love it excellent theater close stage performance seating makes u really feeling u are in the performance up and personal