Black Pearl Sings!
September 25, 2009 — October 28, 2009
Susannah, a song collector for the Library of Congress, travels the country seeking little-known melodies. When she encounters Pearl in a Texas prison, she discovers dozens of musical treasures rooted in the African tradition. Pearl must decide whether to give away her ancestors’ songs for a chance at her own freedom. Music unites strangers in a powerful story that illuminates America’s racial divisions and the attempts of two women to bridge them. Tony Award winner Tonya Pinkins makes her Ford’s Theatre debut in the title role with Erika Rolfsrud as Susannah. Jennifer L. Nelson returns to direct for the first time since her critically acclaimed production of Jitney.
Cast
Tonya Pinkins
Alberta ‘Pearl’ Johnson
Erika Rolfsrud
Susannah Mullally