Tony Nominee Jonelle Allen Plays Florence Mills in BLACKBIRD This Halloween at Saddleback College
This premiere musical is the story of Florence Mills as told through the eyes of Jonelle Allen. Mills was the first African American musical theatre star. Born to former slaves, she began performing at age 3. From the TOBA circuit to Broadway, Florence Mills charmed audiences with her eccentric dancing and her unique high pitched voice.
Florence worked with Sissle & Blake, performed the songs of William Grant Still, learned to tap from Bill "Bojangles" Robinson and inspired Duke Ellington's haunting melody, "Black Beauty."
Yet, while we remember the names mentioned, history barely remembers Florence Mills.
With an exuberant, powerful performance of favorites like "I'm Just Wild About Harry," "A Good Man Is Hard To Find," and Mills' signature song, "Blackbird," Allen transforms the solo genre.
On her journey to discover who Florence Mills was, Allen uncovered some important truths about herself. Through song, dance and video, Allen tells her story alongside Florence's and the result is a magical night of theatre.
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