BET's `Jackie Wilson Story' is booked for national tour

Black Ensemble Theatre's sensational musical "Jackie Wilson Story (My Heart Is Crying, Crying)" to tour various cities in the United States which is scheduled to begin on Jan. 31, the 19th anniversary of the singer's death.

He was a sensational singer and became nationally famous with Raynard Miner's "Your Love Lift Me Higher and Higher". At the time of of his injury he was performing at a New Jersey Supper Club. He remained in a coma for many years before dying at 49 years of age on Jan 21, 1984.

Brian Kabaznick, who recently retired as executive director at Ticketmaster and the not-for-profit Black Ensemble Theater Company are planning the national tour.

In a commemoration of the 19th anniversary of Wilson's death, the tour will began at the New Regal Theater. The amazing entertainer's life will be showcased at the New Regal Theater.

After the kick-off at the Regal, Chester Gregory will repeat his role at the Apollo Theater in Harlem April 3-13. The musical revue will then play major markets in the east and Midwest.'

The Wilson revue originated in February 2000 at the Black Ensemble Theater where it was staged to sold-out houses for more than two years. The national tour of "The Jackie Wilson Story" was a big hit in its own town, and then it was featured for several weeks in Baltimore, Richmond, Norfolk and Louisville before laying at the Lincoln Theatre in Washington, D.C. earning a combined gross of $650,000.

Under the auspices of Kabatznick and producer Taylor other productions of the Black Ensemble Theater Company will tour nationally including "The Other Cinderella," "Doo-Wop Shoo Bop," "Great Women in Gospel," and "Muddy Waters (The Hoochie Coochie Man)."

Actress, director and producer Jackie Taylor has been a pioneer in urban musical theater for more than 25 years. Brian Kabatznick said, "Miss Taylor has developed a roven, winning formula that combines exciting music with a strong story line for perfect universal appeal."

Complimenting Brian, Jackie Taylor said, "Brian's energy, enthusiasm and extensive entertainment experience will help the Black Ensemble realize its goal of developing a national audience for our productions while assisting our long range plans for bilding a new 350-seat theater.

The Black Ensemble Theater Company is located at 4520 N. Beacon St.

Photograph (Chester Gregory II)