BANANAS! A Day in the Life of Josephine Baker Opens At J.E.T. Studios

BANANAS! A Day in the Life of Josephine Baker is an award-winning, one-woman tour-de-force play based on the extraordinary life of international star and civil rights freedom fighter, Josephine Baker. Drama, comedy, and music recount Baker’s “rise from the slums of East St. Louis to the grand stages of Europe.” Written and performed by Sloan Robinson, directed by Joyce Maddox, with musical direction by Aeros Pierce. December 20 – February 29, Tuesday through through Saturday at 8pm (except Feb. 4 – 3pm show only) and Sunday at 3pm, J.E.T. Studios, 5126 Lankershim Blvd. in NoHo, CA 91601. Tickets: $20-$30. For tickets or information : http://josephinebaker.eventbrite.com or (818) 358-3453.

La Baker, also known as ‘The Duchess of Europe’, overcame limitations imposed by the color of her skin to become one of the world's most versatile entertainers and intriguing personalities of the 20th century. Decorated with the highest French military medal, Josephine Baker was a member of the French Resistance carrying secret documents across the borders during World War II. From her rousing speech standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial next to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., her refusal to perform for segregated audiences, to adopting twelve children from around the world and raising them together to prove by example that nations could live together in harmony, Josephine Baker was a civil rights activist, humanitarian & performer extraordinaire.

Cast/Production Team

SLOAN ROBINSON (Playwright, Performer, Producer) studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatics Arts in New York City and dance at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center. Ms. Robinson has numerous stage, film and television credits most recently seen on BODY OF PROOF, SHAMELESS, and the SECRET LIFE OF AMERICAN TEENAGER. An accomplished actor, playwright, producer and choreographer she received the 2001 NAACP Theatre Award for Best Female Performer for her unforgettable portrayal of Dorothy Dandridge in “Yesterday Came Too Soon…The Dorothy Dandridge Story”. She received the same honor again in 2004, for her autobiographical show “It’s a Good Thing I Know How to Dance”.

JUDITH E (Producer) trained at Lee Strasberg Institute and HB Studios with Herbert Berghof and Anne Jackson. Judith E has twenty-seven years experience as a New York stage actress and has produced more than 30 shows in both New York City and Los Angeles since 1991. She has also directed numerous theatre productions for the last twenty years. Judith’s Los Angeles training includes the Beverly Hills Playhouse, The Groundlings, and the Stella Adler Institute in Los Angeles.

JOYCE MADDOX (Director) is currently the General Manager for the City of Miramar Florida Cultural Affairs Department. Directing credits include Bananas, 3 Women, Peter Pan, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown and more. She studied theatre at the University of Miami, and music at the Kansas City Conservatory of Music.

AEROS PIERCE (Musical Director/Pianist) originally trained with Eva White Walker at New York’s High School of Music and Art, and later with Robert Schanfarber. She has performed in several theatre productions in the Los Angeles area and was a 2001 NAACP Theatre Award nominee for her musical direction of “Yesterday Came Too Soon...The Dorothy Dandridge Story” and once again a nominee for musical direction of the 2004 NAACP Theatre Award nominee for “It’s a Good Thing I Can Dance”.

Tickets: $20-$30. For tickets or information www.josephinebaker.eventbrite.com or (818) 358-3453.

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