Rashawn Thompson, Yahdina Udeen Set for Black Ensemble Theater’s The Marvin Gaye Story

Black Ensemble Theater has announced casting for The Marvin Gaye Story (Don’t Talk About My Father Because God Is My Friend), to run May 11 – July 29. Jackie Taylor has written and will direct the production, which will have choreography by Rueben Echoles and musical direction by Robert Reddrick.

The show revisits Gaye’s event-filled life and career that spans three decades. His sound began with Doo Wop in the ’50s, and moved to Rhythm and Blues in the ’60s, political awareness in the ’70s, and sophisticated soul in the ’80s.

Some of Gaye’s biggest hits include “I Heard It Through The Grapevine,” “What’s Going On,” and “Inner City Blues,” as well as numerous hits from his partnership with Tammi Terrel such as “All I Need To Get By,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” and “If This World Were Mine.” He was also the winner of two Grammy Awards including Best Vocal Performance for “Sexual Healing” in 1983.

The company will feature Rashawn Thompson (Marvin Gaye), Yahdina Udeen (Alberta Gaye), Donald Barnes (Marvin Gaye Sr.), Lawrence Williams (Frankie Gaye), Rueben Echoles (Berry Gordy), Rashaad Hall (Smokey Robinson), Lyle Miller (Harvey Fuqua), Dawn Bless (Gwen Gordy), Katrina Miller (Anna Gordy), and Melanie McCullough (Tammi Terrell and Jan Gaye), along with A’rese Emokpae, Stori Johnson, and Cory Wright.

The creative team will include Carl Ulaszek (scenic design), Denise Karczewski (lighting design), Mike Tutaj (projection design), and Michael Pierce (sound design).

Click here for more information and The Marvin Gaye Story tickets.