Black Ensemble Theater
The Jackie Wilson Story
Music director for the biographical musical that opened the theater's 50th Anniversary Season.
The Work
Productions & portfolio
Selected highlights from more than three decades on Chicago stages. Search by title or venue, or filter by the kind of show you're looking for.
Selected Archive
Browse the credits
These are selected highlights — not the whole story. Across more than three decades, Robert has music-directed and drummed for a great many productions in Chicago and on tour. The shows below are a representative sample; the full list is available in his résumé, or on request.
Now Playing
Black Ensemble Theater
Men of Soul
Leading the live band for this revue celebrating the great men of soul music. Running through July 26, 2026.
Up Next
Black Ensemble Theater
You Can't Fake the Funk
Music director for this journey through funk music — the grooves, the horns, and the pocket that started it all.
Black Ensemble Theater
That's What Friends Are For
Music-directed this revue honoring the voices of Gladys, Dionne, and Patti.
Black Ensemble Theater
Hitt Records
Shaped the sound of this world-premiere revue from the drum kit up.
Black Ensemble Theater
Living in the Light
Music director for Blue Eyed Soul Sung By Brown Eyed People, a fresh take on classic soul.
Black Ensemble Theater
The Salon
Directed the music for this warm, character-driven musical.
Black Ensemble Theater
The Other Cinderella
Music director for the beloved holiday musical, a Chicago tradition.
Black Ensemble Theater
A Taste of Soul
Led the band through a revue packed with soul-music favorites.
Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Twelfth Night
Music director for the Shakes in the City production, bringing new sound to Shakespeare.
Black Ensemble Theater
Blue Heaven
Music director for the world premiere of this original musical.
Black Ensemble Theater
Grandma's Jukebox
Shaped the music for this world-premiere trip through the family record collection.
Porchlight Music Theatre
Pump Boys & Dinettes
Music director for the roadside-diner songbook, full of country and rock & roll.
Mercury Theater Chicago
Women of Soul
Led the band for this celebration of the queens of soul.
Victory Gardens Theater
Confessions of a P.I.M.P.
Music director for André De Shields' theatrical piece, a bold collaboration.
Black Ensemble Theater
The Marvin Gaye Story
Music director for the biographical musical tracing the life and songs of Marvin Gaye.
Black Ensemble Theater
Dynamite Divas
Led the live band through a high-energy revue of powerhouse women.
Black Ensemble Theater
Rick Stone: The Blues Man
Music director for a show rooted deep in the blues tradition.
No productions match your search.
Looking for the full list?
This is a sample of the work, not the sum of it.
More than three decades on Chicago stages adds up to far more shows than any page should try to hold. Download the full résumé of credits, or get in touch and we'll send Robert's complete production history.
Have a production in mind?
Robert works across musicals, revues, Shakespeare, and new work — and can build the right band for the room.
Book Robert →