Sept. 04--Roger has found his Chaz. Chicago actress Rashada Dawan has been cast as Chaz Ebert in the musical "The Black White Love Play (The Story of Chaz and Roger Ebert)" at the Black Ensemble Theater, a theater representative said Thursday. Kevin Pollack is playing Roger Ebert, the longtime Sun-Times film critic who died in 2013.
Dawan's credits include a Bailiwick Chicago production of "Aida" and a touring production of "The Lion King." Pollack recently starred as Joe Cocker in the BET revue "Men of Soul."
The production, which was written and directed by Black Ensemble Theater founder Jackie Taylor with permission from Chaz Ebert, will explore the Eberts' courtship and marriage.
Chaz Ebert said she plans to meet with Dawan to help her formulate her performance.
"I have heard that Rashada is talented, so I am honored that she is being cast as me," Chaz Ebert said in an email to the Tribune.
The performance, which includes a 10-piece orchestra, was partially funded by the Roger Ebert trust, according to a theater press release.
Previews for the musical begin Sept. 26 at the theater, at 4450 N. Clark St., and it is slated to run through Nov. 1. Tickets ($45-$65) are available at blackensembletheater.org.
