BWW Reviews: ValLimar is Outstanding as Ethel Waters

Sweet Mama String Bean
A Celebration of Blues Woman Ethel Waters
written by ValLimar Jansen &William L. Slout
directed by Barbara Masters
Fremont Centre Theatre, Pasadena
extended to January 2, 2011

Actress/singer ValLimar Jansen beautifully becomes Ethel Waters, body and soul, in Sweet Mama String Bean. The story concerns the first half of Waters' life, which may be little known to many: how she rose from illegitimacy to radio, club and Broadway super-stardom by the 1940s, before becoming the well-known Emmy and Oscar nominated actress.

ValLimar really gets into Waters' gritty honesty, especially concerning her dirt poor roots. On top of that she sings and dances divinely, but not without showing the hard work and effort that Waters put out to attain the fame that would come her way much later down the road. It was a true "fight for her dreams" as she encountered the pitfalls of being a black performer in vaudeville, the opposition of Bessie Smith among other greats, and seeing herself be superceded by 'chorus' member Josephine Baker, whose rise to fame in Paris would never have happened if Waters had accepted that gig. Limar relishes every moment, like ogling herself in a full-length mirror as a chamber maid who fancies herself a great lady. It's a key moment from the inside out. And ... she's fearless, as she gets down, shimmying with members of the audience brought on stage to share the joy of the moment with her in "Shake That Thing". Waters became synonymous with the blues, but never shunned other musical opportunities, even those that turned her act more risque. Songs she made famous are all here: "Lonesome Swallow", "Am I Blue?", "My Handy Man", "Dinah", first international hit for a black singer, "Heat Wave", "Stormy Weather", a turning point for her, "Black and Blue", "St Louis Blues", "Supper Time" and the beautiful "His Eye Is on the Sparrow", which Waters, thankfully for us, committed to film in Member of the Wedding.

There is great accompaniment from musical director Frank Jansen at the keyboard, Mark Davey on drums and Ruben Ramos on bass - a trio that opens the show and helps Limar tell Waters' musical journey throughout. Barbara Masters' direction is stylish, keeping movement fluid and pacing just right.

Limar is the one to watch here. Like Waters, she is a sensational singer, dancer, actress and splendidly brings Waters' artistry and humanity into our lives. Limar should consider developing chapter two of this project, essaying the other, even more complex part of Waters' life from the 40s to her death in 1977. Let's hope she considers it!