Chicago’s Black Ensemble Theater has announced its schedule for the company’s 31st season–“Dedicated to the Men.” The 2007 slate begins in February with David Barr’s “Memphis Soul Stew (The Story of Stax Records).” In April, B.E.T. will debut “I Gotcha,” paying tribute to songwriter Joe Tex, followed in June by “Sounds So Good Makes You Wanna Holler,” which highlights the men of Motown. September brings to the stage “Turn Out the Lights (The Story of Teddy Pendergrass)” and the season concludes in November with “A Tribute to the Black Crooner.” All performances are at 4520 N. Beacon St. … The White Horse Theatre Company–a stellar young Chicago troop that produces infrequently–is creating a new production of “The Wiz” for a March 3 opening at the Theatre Building Chicago. … The League of Chicago Theatres has announced the debut of “theater sampler tours,” part of the city’s Winter Delights campaign. Participants travel between shows by trolley (call 312-201-8847). … The Annoyance Theatre in Uptown has announced two new shows opening the end of January. “Testify” is a comedy revue focusing on spiritual leaders, “Arm Soup” is a musical. … Fans of the great Chita Rivera who are irritated her national tour is unaccountably bypassing Chicago should note that “Chita Rivera: The Dancer’s Life” is coming to Milwaukee’s easily reached Uihlein Theater May 22-27.
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Compiled by Chris Jones
