Grief can be a tricky thing. It can live inside you with little more purpose than a constant
reminder of the devastating loss that birthed it. A lump like coal is sitting at the bottom of your
heart and occupying every part of your mind, body, and soul. It takes a powerful will to transform
it into something useful that will be a tolerable companion for the rest of your life. This is what
Jackie Taylor (Black Ensemble Theater founder and JOE's writer and producer) has done with
her latest musical endeavor, ELVIS PRESLEY WAS A BLACK MAN NAMED JOE.
Set in the memory of Taylor’s childhood home in the Cabrini-Green projects of the 1960s and
70s, JOE transcends time as the main character “Janet” (Taylor’s avatar, played in adult and
teenage form by the abundant vocal talents of Rhonda Preston and Britt Edwards respectively)
muses on the lives of her and her beloved younger brother as they navigate the changing times
through a love of Elvis Presley. With the support of a 5-piece ensemble who act as the show’s
chorus punctuating the story with a slew of Elvis and Motown-inspired medleys, this musical is
an ode to a life cut too short.
Told in two acts, the story begins as a throwback to the “good old days” when rent, groceries,
and fun were cheap and the bond of the family ran deep. A young “Janet” is excited about life
despite the turmoil in their community that causes the initial rift between Joe and the family. As
the violence of poverty begins to knock at their door the siblings cling tighter and tighter to
Presley’s ballads that act as a balm to their troubles. The show unfolds as a cautionary tale for
dreamers who are negligent with their gifts. Joe, being a young man of many talents never fully
commits to pursuing a life away from the streets and ultimately succumbs to those temptations.
Yet, even through his most challenging days in his struggle with addiction (one of many portend
similarities he has with Elvis) his love and care for his sister never wane, an impact that has
survived a lifetime.
ELVIS PRESLEY WAS A BLACK MAN NAMED JOE, is a family-friendly presentation that will
have you swaying and singing in your seat, laughing from your belly, and wanting to call your
loved ones as soon as the lights come up. This affecting story, amplified by beautifully
composed and performed renditions of oldies hits, makes for a worthwhile Spring experience.
Elvis Presely is a Black Man Named Joe is playing Friday through Sundays until April 20, 205 at
the Black Ensemble Theatre, 4450 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640 in Chicago’s Sheridan Park
neighborhood. For tickets and information go to
Photo by Alan Davis
For more reviews go to https://www.theatreinchicago.com
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