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Broadway star brings the titans of soul to life at ECC Arts Center May 14

Elgin Community College Arts Center will present the premiere performance of "It's A Man's World: Behold the Titans of Soul," starring Broadway showstopper Chester Gregory, on Saturday, May 14. This celebration of soul singers featuring the music of Jackie Wilson, James Brown, Otis Redding and Sam Cooke will be held at 7 p.m. in the Blizzard Theatre, Building H, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.

In "It's A Man's World," Chester Gregory resurrects his dazzling portrayal of Jackie Wilson, whom he played in the national tour of "The Jackie Wilson Story" and in his own one-man show "The Eve of Jackie." He also radiates the smoking hot moves of James Brown, summons the heart-wrenching vocals of Otis Redding, and embodies the tender optimism of Sam Cooke. The evening features unforgettable hits including "Higher and Higher," "These Arms of Mine" and "Twistin' the Night Away."

Gregory's Broadway credits include "Hairspray," "Sister Act," "Tarzan" and the upcoming Broadway run of "Motown the Musical" in which he will be starring as Berry Gordy. According to the New York Post, Gregory's magnetic stage presence "isn't scene-stealing, but robbery on an Enron scale."

"It's A Man's World" is presented by Artists' Lounge Live, a concert series curated by "Under the Streetlamp" member and former "Jersey Boy" Michael Ingersoll. Artists Lounge Live aims to bring the toast of 42nd Street to Main Street, providing audiences intimate concert experiences with tremendous talents.

Tickets to "It's A Man's World" are $34. Tickets are available online at tickets.elgin.edu or at the ECC Arts Center box office. Box office hours are noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and noon to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. To purchase tickets by phone, call (847) 622-0300. All major credit cards are accepted.

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