Doors Open @6:30pm
"Mr. Gregory puts on a show of such physical and vocal dexterity that it's almost impossible to imagine that anyone else could do it." - The New York Times
ABOUT THE SHOW
The Eve of Jackie is a closer look at Jackie Wilson, live in concert, on an evening when he feels compelled to reveal his true feelings. This particular evening, he shares his thoughts on his accomplishments and struggles in his personal life and career in show business. He is unaware that it will be his final complete performance, as it is the evening before his inevitable collapse on stage the following day.
ABOUT CHESTER GREGORY
NAACP Theater Award Winner Chester Gregory was born and raised in Gary, Indiana where at a young age he fell in love with performing. While heavily influenced by the entertainers of his childhood, he managed to forge his own unique voice and style.
Chester refined his singing and acting skills while studying at Emerson Visual and Performing Arts School, and earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Columbia College. Chester was able to harness his passion and hard work into the lead role in "The Jackie Wilson Story", which earned him numerous accolades, including The Jeff, AUDELCO, The Black Theater Alliance Awards (BTAA), and the Black Excellence Awards.
Chester parlayed his award-winning role as Jackie Wilson into the his Broadway debut where he played Seaweed in the Tony Award winning musical Hairspray. His Broadway success continued as he starred in Tarzan, Cry-Baby, Shrek and Sister Act. In 2009, Chester's powerful performance as Jimmy Early in Dreamgirls earned him Best Supporting Actor by the NAACP Theater Awards and also garnered international recognition.