R&B Legend comes alive in ‘The Eve of Jackie Wilson’

Press release: One of America’s signature rhythm and blues voices will come to life once more, this time at Pensacola Little Theatre in downtown Pensacola.

Broadway veteran and musician Chester Gregory stars as Jackie Wilson in “The Eve of Jackie Wilson,” a musical drama about the last night the famed R&B singer was heard before collapsing on stage and eventually dying.

Gregory, who has starred in several Broadway productions over the past two decades. He starred as Eddie Souther (a lead role) in Sister Act, as Seaweed in Hairspray, as Terk in Tarzan, as Dupree in Cry-Baby, and as Jimmy Early in the national tour of Dreamgirls. Gregory also wrote and produced the show, where brings all his considerable talents to the character of the iconic Wilson, who was also known as “Mr. Excitement” for his dynamic performances.

In Eve, Gregory depicts the evening that Wilson would eventually sing his last concert. Wilson suffered a heart attack and collapsed on stage in September of 1975. He slipped into a coma and eventually died nine years later.

“It’s something a little bit different,” said Gregory. “I always wondered what that night was like before he collapsed, just what was going on in his mind. There’s some darkness to the show, but this gives me an opportunity to celebrate the man, as we watch him in real time live in concert,” Gregory continued.

Fans will recognize some of the Jackie Wilson hit songs delivered by Gregory in full R&B splendor, including “Reet Petite,” “To Be Loved” and “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher.” A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Jackie Wilson notched more than 20 Top 40 Pop-chart hits in America between 1958 and 1968. Rolling Stone ranked Wilson No. 69 on its list of rock ‘n’ roll all-time greatest artists.

The Eve of Jackie Wilson comes to Pensacola Little Theatre courtesy of WEAR-TV 3 and WFGX-35 on Friday and Saturday, August 28 and 29, 2015. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the show starts at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are available at the Pensacola Little Theatre box office or on the PLT Website.