Where: At The Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center
Written and Produced by Jackie Taylor
Co-directed by Jackie Taylor and Daryl D. Brooks
Featuring the Impressions’ Reginald Torian as Older Curtis Mayfield and Cecil Jones as Younger Curtis

September 14, 2013 - March 16, 2014

CHICAGO, IL – Black Ensemble Theater announces It’s Alright To Have A Good Time: The Story of Curtis Mayfield produced and written by Black Ensemble Theater Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor with Co-Direction by Jackie Taylor and Daryl D. Brooks. The Story of Curtis Mayfield will be presented at the new Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago as an open run with previews beginning September 14, 2013.

Black Ensemble's tribute to Chicago's own music legend Curtis Mayfield is the story of a musical giant who is equally celebrated as a singer, song writer and record producer. From the anthemic music of The Impressions like "We're A Winner," "I'm So Proud," "Choice of Colors" to movie hits like "Super Fly," The Curtis Mayfield Story will bring to vibrant life the rare musical genius that was Curtis Mayfield. Mayfield's timeless music is known and celebrated all over the world, and he is the winner of the Grammy Legend Award (1994), the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (1995) and a double inductee into both The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1991, 1999) and the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Jackie Taylor comments, "Curtis Mayfield's music and influence is legendary, not just in Chicago, where he was raised in the Cabrini-Green area and where he started his career--but nationally and internationally. From his hits with Jerry Butler and The Impressions to his Civil Rights Anthems to his award winning musical film scores, his music speaks to this country's cultural history, as much as it entertains. We are thrilled to have the Black Ensemble musicians and a stellar Black Ensemble cast led by Reginald Torian of The Impressions and Cecil Jones bring this important story to life."

The cast features Reginald Torian as Curtis Mayfield, who replaced Curtis Mayfield in The Impressions in 1972 and remains in the group today. The cast also includes Cecil Jones (Younger Curtis), David Simmons (Older Jerry Butler), Brandon Holmes (Younger Jerry Butler), Brian Nelson (Fred Cash of The Impressions) and Donald Manuel (Sam Gooden of The Impressions). Cast members playing various roles include: Casey Hayes, Rueben Echoles, Jos N. Banks, Mark Hood, Alanna Taylor, Katrina Richardson, Ereatha McCullough and Christina Harpe.