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The Eve of Jackie returns to Washington, DC for two performances at Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club, September 20 & 21, 2014. Starring the award winning, Broadway performer - Chester Gregory asJackie Wilson.
The Eve of Jackie, a raw and jaw-dropping tour de force musical tribute to Jackie Wilson. Set in September 1975 the show is an incredible look at Jackie Wilson and his last complete performance, the night before he collapses on stage. Draped with this show is a flashback to that concert in which the great artist felt compelled to share details of his troubled life. Chester Gregory masterfully performs many of the singer’s signature hits and expertly executes his awe-inspiring trademark moves.
After stepping foot on the music scene in the late 1950s as a solo artist, Jackie Wilson forever changed the face of Pop Culture. Known for his dynamic stage presence and cross-over hits like “Higher and Higher,” “Lonely Teardrops,” “My Empty Arms,” “Alone at Last” and “Baby Workout,” Jackie Wilson has inspired legions of entertainers from Elvis Presley to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, Wilson had more than 20 Top-40 pop-chart hits. No wonder they called him “Mr. Excitement,” a charismatic showman who commanded a stage like few before or since, and Chester captures every nuance, from Jackie’s natural tenor to his signature moves.
About Chester Gregory;
Chester Gregory is a Gary native and Broadway veteran best known from his roles in Sister Act, Dreamgirls, Hairspray, Tarzan, Cry Baby, and Shrek the Musical. Chester studied at Emerson Visual and Performing Arts School, and Columbia College, graduating with his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Through dedication and hard work he built his passion for the arts into a career, making a name for himself when he burst onto the theater scene as Jackie Wilson in original production of "The Jackie Wilson Story" for which he received major acclaim such as, The Jeff, AUDELCO, BTAA and Black Excellence Awards.
Directed by Da’Vine Joy Randolph, with Musical Direction by Rob Lewis. The show is co-written by Crystal Lucas and Chester himself.
Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club
The Bethesda Theater, built in 1938 and opened as one of the era's Art Deco cinema palaces, has come back to life! With an $8 million renovation, this National Historic Register Property is the region's #1 Live Music Supper Club! Located 1 1/2 blocks from the Bethesda Metro station. The Cheltenham Parking Garage is located behind the Club.
Tickets are $17.50-$37.50 and are available at The Bethesda Blues and Jazz supper Club’s box office or by visiting Home
Jackie Wilson did not at the time receive his rightful credit as truly the greatest and still has not - thankfully events like this will continue to inform those who do not already know of Jackie's enormous talent - take a bow Chester Gregory, as you do Jackie's memory a great service
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