Displaying items by tag: Joan Ruffin
How Josephine Baker Earned Superstardom to Become the Black Pearl
Josephine Baker leapt from the Harlem Renaissance via the Paris Folies Bergère to become a global phenomenon, the first black international superstar.
Consider this: Baker’s fame was so great in her day among African-Americans, that Coretta King immediately appealed to her to guide the U.S. Civil Rights Movement in the wake of Martin Luther King’s assassination. Born in 1906, Baker died in 1975 - yet she is vaguely remembered, if at all.
Black Pearl: A Tribute to Josephine Baker helps remedy that, ably recounting the trajectory of her stardom. Baker may have lived too big a life character to fit on any stage (she was style-setter, movie star, civil rights activist, even an agent for the French Resistance in World War II) but writer and director Daryl Brooks and the high-energy ensemble cast have gotten enough of the high and low points of her life to build a great show, with special emphasis on her rollicking dancing style.
Two women perform the role of Baker – Joan Ruffin as the Older Josephine largely plays narrator; Aerial Williams - a great dancer and with a lovely voice - is the Younger Josephine.
Baker really did it all – singing, dancing, movies. Arguably Baker was the first global personality, driving fashion trends (her hair style was widely copied), dispensing lifestyle advice in women’s magazines – think Gwyneth Paltrow, Kardashians, Oprah, with a touch of Grace Jones. Baker kept a pet cheetah, and later in life adopted a brood of children from different countries, housing them in the palatial chateau her wealth afforded.
She was first brought to Europe by the French under a government-sponsored cultural program, and became an overnight sensation during a period when France was colonizing Africa. By today’s standards some of her signature performance expressions might not be judged politically correct, but Baker’s artistic influences were segregated minstrel shows, where blacks performed in exaggerated black-face, and jazz-infused free-form dance was the norm.
Her hard-scrabble life of poverty and abuse growing up in St. Louis is captured well in Brook’s script, especially her awakening to music and dance as a teenaged girl. The choreography in Black Pearl (Baker was known by that name) mines Baker’s movies and the historical record to accurately portray contemporary dance styles. To the French, Baker was a genre-busting exotic, as she created a romanticized, imagined portrayal of African natives in their new colonies.
Her famous Banana Dance is carefully rendered on the Black Ensemble stage. Though Europe had its racial and cultural prejudices, it did not have Jim Crow laws like the U.S. – rules that barred Baker from staying at 36 hotels on a return U.S. tour celebrating her global stardom. Her mother had to sit in the balcony section for blacks. Baker renounced her U.S. citizenship and became a French citizen. But on her next U.S. tour she successfully set her contract to require venues to be integrated, and her mother sat in the front row at Carnegie Hall.
As she matured into a style icon, Baker evolved in to a chanteuse, and several of the songs are performed in French during Black Pearl. One show stopper, a transition right before intermission, has Williams’ young Josephine sing a love song to France, with Ruffin’s older Josephine repeating the lyrics in English. It is very affecting.
Like most Black Ensemble productions, the live music backing is excellent, able to swing through all the stylistic periods. The script is occasionally wooded in scenes from later years, but it makes all the points that matter – and keeps the focus on the performance art. Running through June 18, Black Pearl at Black Ensemble Theater is highly recommended.
Emile Zola Adaptation 'Nana' Is a Triumph at Magical Trap Door Theater
15 April 2024 in Theatre in ReviewFor the final show of its 30th anniversary season, Trap Door Theatre—the little company that could—has selected a sure-fire hit…
Chicago Writers' Bloc Announces 2024 New Play Festival May 5 - 19 at Theater Wit
15 April 2024 in Theatre in ReviewChicago Writers' Bloc has announced the lineup of plays and musicals for its biennial festival of new plays, to be…
Hershey Felder Brilliant as Monsieur Chopin
14 April 2024 in Theatre in ReviewIf you appreciate classical music and captivating stories about brilliant artists from the past, Hershey Felder’s one-man show, Monsieur Chopin:…
Jackalope Theatre Announces Cast and Creative Team for the World Premiere of THE SINGULARITY PLAY, May 19 - June 22
11 April 2024 in Upcoming TheatreJackalope Theatre Company continues its 16th season at Edgewater’s Berger Park, 6205 N. Sheridan Rd., with the announcement of the cast…
Spanish Language Magic Shows at Rhapsody Theater to celebrate Cinco de Mayo
11 April 2024 in Upcoming TheatreBorn and raised in Mexico City, Dr. Ricardo Rosenkranz, MD, Chicago’s own Physician Magician, will celebrate the festive Cinco de Mayo holiday weekend by…
Court Theatre’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead Features Fabulous Ensemble with Striking Design
09 April 2024 in Theatre in ReviewThe Player (Lorenze Rush Jr) has just run into Rosencrantz and Guildenstern with his troupe of players. As he explains…
'COCK' is f***king amazing!
08 April 2024 in Theatre in ReviewThose were my first words when I left the performance of COCK to David Zak, producer and resident wizard of…
Enchanting Feats: A glowing review of ‘Look Closer with Joshua Jay’
07 April 2024 in Theatre in ReviewIf you’re a magic enthusiast, Joshua Jay’s captivating new show, Look Closer, is currently enchanting audiences at the Rhapsody Theater. But even…
Welcome to The Jungle: The Choir of Man Rocks Chicago
06 April 2024 in Theatre ReviewsSometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name. Sometimes you want to be surrounded by people to experience the…
About Face Theatre announces casting for Midwest Premiere of Lavender Men
04 April 2024 in Upcoming TheatreAbout Face Theatre announces casting for the Midwest Premiere production of Lavender Men by Roger Q. Mason, directed by Lucky Stiff, running May 9 -June 8,…
CUT TO THE CHASE festival of one-act plays returns May 2-5 with theme "Face-to-Face" at The Den Theatre
04 April 2024 in Upcoming TheatreThe Artistic Home Studio will present the 2024 edition of its CUT TO THE CHASE festival of new one act…
Hell in a Handbag Productions Presents the World Premiere of POOR PEOPLE! The Parody Musical
02 April 2024 in Upcoming TheatreHell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to continue its 22nd season with the world premiere of POOR PEOPLE! The Parody Musical, an…
'American Fiction' Oscar Boosts Percival Everett's Latest Work, 'James,' at 'Authors on Tap'
01 April 2024 in Theatre in ReviewAuthor Percival Everett is having his moment, and Exile in Bookville gave us a chance to meet him up close…
The Physical Theater Festival Chicago Returns July 13 - 21 with its 11th Annual Edition
31 March 2024 in Upcoming TheatrePhysical Theater Festival Chicago is proud to announce the complete lineup for its 11th anniversary celebration, July 13 - 21. The Festival begins…
Review: Jersey Boys at Mercury Theatre
29 March 2024 in Theatre in Review‘Jersey Boys’ is back in Chicago, bringing with it a little East Coast to the Third Coast. The hit Broadway…
Take Flight and Feel the Magic with ‘Peter Pan: The Hit Broadway Musical'
28 March 2024 in Theatre in ReviewAfter many years without seeing the movie or reading the story of Peter Pan, the moment I learned that Peter Pan:…
Casting for Lifeline Theatre’s production of “Native Son” adapted by Chicagoan Nambi E. Kelley, May 10 - June 30
28 March 2024 in Upcoming TheatreLifeline Theatre and Artistic Director ILesa Duncan announce the casting for Chicagoan Nambi E. Kelley's "gutsy, powerful, and relentless" adaptation of Richard Wright's powerful introspection…
A.B.L.E. presents "The Odyssey" at Chicago Shakespeare Theater on May 11
27 March 2024 in Upcoming TheatreA.B.L.E.—Artists Breaking Limits & Expectations—a Chicago-based nonprofit that creates theatre and film for, with, and by individuals with Down syndrome…
Review: Remy Bumppo Theatre Company's "Love Song' at Theater Wit
26 March 2024 in Theatre in ReviewWhen a play’s opening moment is mystifying and its closing moment is satisfying, the stuff in between must be doing…
“Navigating Family, Truth, and Legacy: A Must-See Journey in ‘Purpose’”
26 March 2024 in Theatre in ReviewThe expansive, opulent home exudes an air of solid middle-class comfort, boasting a formal dining area, an upright piano, and…
Eddie Izzard performs Shakespeare’s "Hamlet" in limited engagement, April 19–May 4
26 March 2024 in Theatre in ReviewChicago Shakespeare Theater announces today a thrilling addition to the season: Tony Award-nominated actor Eddie Izzard brings her celebrated solo theatrical performance of Hamlet to…
Identity Performing Arts presents spring concert “Muted”
26 March 2024 in Upcoming DanceIdentity's Spring concert offers a captivating performance with two dissimilar works in its dynamic. Join us for the premiere of choreographer…
Joffrey Ballet closes season with remount of crowd favorite, Alexander Ekman's "Midsummer Night's Dream"
25 March 2024 in Upcoming TheatreThe Joffrey Ballet boldly closes its 2023-24 season with the return of Midsummer Night's Dream by internationally renowned Swedish choreographer Alexander Ekman. Premiered by The…
Breaking Through The Winter Blues: Cirque du Soleil Crystal Sparkles at NOW Arena
23 March 2024 in Theatre ReviewsLike any good Chicago March, the city cannot make up its mind about what season it is in. This weekend…
Review: A Streetcar Named Desire at Copley Theatre
22 March 2024 in Theatre in ReviewIf there's one play every American should see in their lifetimes, without a doubt it's Tennessee Williams' perennial classic A…
Five Plays by Spanish Speaking Female Playwrights Selected for Series at Instituto Cervantes
20 March 2024 in Upcoming TheatreInstituto Cervantes of Chicago (31 W. Ohio St.), the city's primary non-profit center for Spanish language and cultural exchange, is pleased to present,…
Macbeth Gets Upended in ‘What the Weird Sisters Saw'
20 March 2024 in Theatre in ReviewI love all things Shakespeare, particularly modern iterations and adaptations of his works, and I’ve had good experiences with Idle…
ON YOUR FEET! THE STORY OF EMILIO & GLORIA ESTEFAN Is Now Playing
19 March 2024 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is pleased to announce the smash-hit musical, ON YOUR FEET! THE STORY OF EMILIO & GLORIA ESTEFAN is now…
Casting Announced for Drury Lane Theatre's production of Guys and Dolls April 10 – June 9, 2024
18 March 2024 in Upcoming TheatreDrury Lane Theatre is thrilled to announce casting for its first show of the 2024/2025 season, Guys and Dolls, making its triumphant return to…
Writers Theatre announces 2024-2025 season
18 March 2024 in Upcoming TheatreArtistic Director Braden Abraham and Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma announce Writers Theatre's 2024/25 season. The season launches with the Chicago premiere of the acclaimed musical Natasha,…
Latest Articles
-
Hershey Felder Brilliant as Monsieur Chopin
Written by Kimberly KatzIf you appreciate classical music and captivating stories about brilliant artists from the past, Hershey Felder’s one-man show, Monsieur Chopin: A Play with Music, is an absolute delight. Felder, an accomplished pianist and composer, has previously wowed audiences with his… -
Emile Zola Adaptation 'Nana' Is a Triumph at Magical Trap Door Theater
Written by Bill EslerFor the final show of its 30th anniversary season, Trap Door Theatre—the little company that could—has selected a sure-fire hit with a production of “Nana,” a play based on the 19th century melodrama about an actress and bordello courtesan, Nana,… -
Chicago Writers' Bloc Announces 2024 New Play Festival May 5 - 19 at Theater Wit
Written by Buzz Center StageChicago Writers' Bloc has announced the lineup of plays and musicals for its biennial festival of new plays, to be held this year from May 5 to 19 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. The 2024 festival will… -
Jackalope Theatre Announces Cast and Creative Team for the World Premiere of THE SINGULARITY PLAY, May 19 - June 22
Written by Buzz Center StageJackalope Theatre Company continues its 16th season at Edgewater’s Berger Park, 6205 N. Sheridan Rd., with the announcement of the cast and creative team for the world premiere of The Singularity Play, May 19 – June 22, by Jay Stull, directed by Georgette Verdin. Previews…
Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.