SYNOPSIS

Black Pearl Sings, based on a real life story, follows the unusual journey of two extraordinary women. Susannah, a Caucasian musicologist and “song collector” for the Library of Congress travels the country in 1933 in search of lost traditional spirituals and African folk songs from the early times of slavery. In a Texas prison, she meets Alberta “Pearl” Johnson, who has been sentenced for murder, and Susannah is soon convinced that this woman with a soulful voice and a steely spirit is hiding the musical treasure which would bring her the long-awaited recognition. But Pearl has her own agenda, she will only trade her songs for a ticket to freedom in order to find her one and only daughter.

„Black Pearl Sings will fill you with wonder.” – Chicago Theater Beat
“A transcendent tale of the bridges that are built through the power of song.” – Examiner.com
“This is a gem of a play that will renew your faith in humanity.” – Chicago Critic

Cast & Creative Team

Originally developed at the Barter Theater, Richard Rose, Artistic Director.
Premiered at Stages Repertory Theater, Kenn McLaughlin, Artistic Director.

There will be one intermission of twenty minutes.

No photographs or recording allowed in the theatre without prior permission from the management.