Black Pearl Sings - Tonya Pinkins Welcome Video

Black Pearl Sings!
by Frank Higgins
directed by Jennifer L. Nelson
Ford's Theatre
September 25-October 18, 2009
Tickets: www.fords.org
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 Americas racial divisions and the attempts of two women to bridge them. Tony Award winner Tonya Pinkins makes her Fords 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.

Reviews
Black Pearl really sings.... [The play] reaches into the soul of a nation and pulls at the heart and mind poignant and often funny involving and emotionally charged.—Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Moving, funny and intellectually compelling.—Houston Press

Tonya Pinkins
Oprah described Tonya Pinkins as one of the Ten Women in America Who Will Take Your Breath Away. Broadway: Jellys Last Jam, Tony Kushners Caroline or Change. August Wilsons Radio Golf, George C. Wolfes The Wild Party, Play On. Awards and Nominations: Tony Award, Drama Desk Award, Outer Critics Circle and Clarence Derwent Award (Sweet Anita, Jelly's Last Jam), Tony nomination for Best Actress in a Musical, Obie Award, Lortel Award, Garland Award, NAACP Theater, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle nominations (Caroline, Caroline or Change; Lady Liv, Play On ). TV: 24 (Alama Motobo), Army Wives (Viola Crawford) and All My Children (Livia Frye Cudahy), Law & Order, The Closer, Criminal Minds. Film: Enchanted; Above the Rim; John Turturro's Romance and Cigarettes, Noahs Arc : Jumping the broom. Recordings: My Shining Hour a celebration of composer Harold Arlen. Publications: Get Over Yourself!: How to Drop the Drama and Claim the Life You Deserve (Hyperion Books). To find out more, visit Pinkins at www.tonyapinkins.com.

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