Men of Soul

June 20 – August 2, 2026 · Fri 7pm · Sat 2 & 7pm · Sun 2pm · Tickets $69

Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N Clark St, Chicago

About the Show

The voices that defined soul music — live on our stage.

From smooth ballads to raise-the-roof anthems, Men of Soul celebrates the legendary men whose voices shaped a generation. Backed by Black Ensemble’s powerhouse live band, Chicago’s finest singers bring the hits — and the stories behind them — to life.

It’s the Black Ensemble experience audiences love: real musicianship, real joy, and a show that has the whole house on its feet.

Men of Soul is written and directed by Daryl D. Brooks, with music direction by Robert Reddrick — both nominated for 2026 Jeff Awards for this production.

Details at a Glance

Dates: June 20 – August 2, 2026
Performances: Fri 7pm · Sat 2pm & 7pm · Sun 2pm
Tickets: $69
Running time: 2 hours, 10 minutes
Venue: Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center
Recommended for: All audiences

Good to Know

Parking: Valet ($15, cash) & street parking · Arrival & parking
Accessibility: Wheelchair seating, assistive listening · Accessibility services

Buying tickets: Ticket buttons open our secure ticketing partner, OvationTix, where you’ll pick your performance date and seats. Prefer the phone? Call the box office at (773) 769-4451.

What the Critics Say

The reviews are in.

Chicago Tribune — “Recommended”

“…all of the cast, some newcomers, some veterans, are excellent.”

Stage and Cinema — “Highly Recommended”

“Men of Soul has an unassuming name for such a powerful package.”

Across Chicago

“Highly Recommended” — Chicago Reader, Around the Town Chicago, and Let’s Play Theatrical Reviews.

Just Announced · July 22, 2026

Five 2026 Jeff Award nominations.

The Joseph Jefferson Awards — Chicago theater’s highest honor — recognized Men of Soul in five categories at the 58th anniversary Equity Jeff Awards, part of six nominations for Black Ensemble this year (Jaitee Thomas was also nominated for The Jackie Wilson Story). Winners are announced September 14, 2026 at the Harris Theater.

Production — Revue

Men of Soul · Black Ensemble Theater

Director — Revue

Daryl D. Brooks

Ensemble — Musical or Revue

The Men of Soul company

Music Direction

Robert Reddrick

Performer in a Revue

Maxel McLoud Schingen — as Prince, James Ingram & El DeBarge

See it before it closes

A nominated production, on stage through August 2.

Buy tickets

Don’t miss it — final performance August 2.

Fridays at 7pm · Saturdays at 2pm & 7pm · Sundays at 2pm · Tickets $69

Buy Tickets