A new musical, "Elvis Presley was a Black Man Named Joe," has premiered at the Black Ensemble Theater in Uptown. This production marks a personal journey for Jackie Taylor, the theater's founder and CEO, who intertwines her childhood memories with the iconic music of Elvis Presley. The story reflects on her upbringing in Chicago’s Cabrini-Green Homes and her bond with her brother over their shared admiration for Elvis. Meanwhile, Taylor is spearheading an ambitious expansion project named Free to Be Village, aimed at creating a vibrant cultural hub featuring education centers, retail spaces, and affordable housing for artists.

This endeavor symbolizes Taylor's vision for long-term sustainability and community enrichment, extending beyond traditional theatrical performances into a comprehensive development fostering creativity and economic resilience.

From Personal Roots to Stage: Jackie Taylor's New Musical

Inspired by her own life experiences, Jackie Taylor crafts a unique jukebox musical that delves into her formative years in Chicago’s Cabrini-Green Homes. Through this autobiographical piece, she recounts how her fascination with Elvis Presley began, shaped by the limited movie options available in her neighborhood during her youth. This connection not only enriched her childhood but also laid the groundwork for her future endeavors in the arts.

Taylor’s narrative focuses on the profound impact Elvis had on her life, forming a lasting bond with her brother Joe. Growing up, they were exposed primarily to Elvis films and cartoons, which became a central part of their leisure activities. This shared interest evolved into a lifelong passion, evident from the numerous Elvis memorabilia adorning Taylor's office today. Her innovative approach to storytelling through music redefines the conventional boundaries of musical theater, offering audiences an intimate glimpse into her world while celebrating the universal appeal of Elvis Presley.

Vision Beyond Performances: The Free to Be Village Project

Beyond her artistic contributions, Jackie Taylor envisions a transformative development known as Free to Be Village. Located directly across from the current theater site, this multi-million-dollar initiative aims to establish a holistic cultural center encompassing educational facilities, retail outlets, and affordable housing units for artists. This expansive project underscores Taylor's commitment to nurturing both artistic talent and community well-being.

The Free to Be Village represents a significant milestone in Taylor's career, reflecting decades of planning and dedication. Estimated at $76 million, the development will feature a state-of-the-art performing arts education center spanning 13,000 square feet, alongside ground-level retail spaces and 50 units of affordable housing designed specifically for artists. Kris Nesbitt, senior director of planning at Black Ensemble, highlights Taylor's longstanding dream of creating more than just a theater—an entire village dedicated to fostering creativity and eradicating racism. Over the years, Taylor has cultivated strong relationships with local residents and acquired necessary properties to bring this vision to fruition. As the theater embarks on launching its capital campaign, partnerships are being solidified to ensure the successful implementation of this groundbreaking project. Daryl Brooks, producing managing director, emphasizes the remarkable evolution of Black Ensemble under Taylor's leadership, transitioning from a modest 150-seat venue to orchestrating a $100 million investment in the contemporary era. This expansion not only secures financial independence for the theater but also solidifies its role as a cornerstone of Chicago's cultural landscape, inspiring generations of creatives and leaving an indelible mark on the city's artistic heritage.