Bessie Smith
Birth Place: Chattanooga, TN, USA
Latest News on Bessie Smith:
FLYING TOWARD THE SUN to Receive 29-Hour Reading at Penguin Rep Theatre (Jun 2, 2026)
A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN Will Come to the Gretna Theatre This Summer (May 29, 2026)
MUSE/IQUE To Present THE SUN RISES IN HARLEM: Black Brilliance and the Harlem Renaissance (May 8, 2026)
FLYING TOWARD THE SUN to Receive 29-Hour Reading at Penguin Rep Theatre (Jun 2, 2026)
A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN Will Come to the Gretna Theatre This Summer (May 29, 2026)
MUSE/IQUE To Present THE SUN RISES IN HARLEM: Black Brilliance and the Harlem Renaissance (May 8, 2026)
Photos
STAGE CREDITS
Videos
Video: Original DREAMGIRLS Star Jennifer Holliday Sings 'I Am Changing' At 54 Below
by A.A. Cristi - 2026-01-09 23:01:37
Video: Watch an All New Trailer For A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN in London
by Stephi Wild - 2024-04-11 08:38:06
Video: Jennifer Holliday Performs 'And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going' From DREAMGIRLS on TAMRON HALL
by Michael Major - 2023-03-15 16:48:13
VIDEO: Meet The Women Of BLUES IN THE NIGHT At Porchlight Music Theatre
by Alan Henry - 2022-02-23 14:39:34
VIDEO: Sneak Peek of BLUES IN THE NIGHT at Ebony Reptertory Theatre
by Gigi Gervais - 2021-11-20 11:12:29
TV: First Look at BroadwayHD's Teaser for A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN Before its Release on 1/19
by BroadwayWorld TV - 2019-01-10 10:36:26
News
FLYING TOWARD THE SUN to Receive 29-Hour Reading at Penguin Rep Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Jun 2, 2026
Penguin Rep Theatre will present a 29-hour reading of FLYING TOWARD THE SUN, a new musical about asylum seekers, in New York City. The cast includes Broadway veterans from Come From Away, Lempicka, and Harmony.
by Stephi Wild - Jun 2, 2026
Penguin Rep Theatre will present a 29-hour reading of FLYING TOWARD THE SUN, a new musical about asylum seekers, in New York City. The cast includes Broadway veterans from Come From Away, Lempicka, and Harmony.
A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN Will Come to the Gretna Theatre This Summer
by Stephi Wild - May 29, 2026
Gretna Theatre, in collaboration with Totem Pole Playhouse, will present A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN, featuring Francesca Ferrari, a national tour veteran, leading a live-band concert celebrating the rock legend's life and music in Mount Gretna, PA.
by Stephi Wild - May 29, 2026
Gretna Theatre, in collaboration with Totem Pole Playhouse, will present A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN, featuring Francesca Ferrari, a national tour veteran, leading a live-band concert celebrating the rock legend's life and music in Mount Gretna, PA.
MUSE/IQUE To Present THE SUN RISES IN HARLEM: Black Brilliance and the Harlem Renaissance
by A.A. Cristi - May 8, 2026
MUSE/IQUE will present THE SUN RISES IN HARLEM, celebrating the Harlem Renaissance with Tony winner Kecia Lewis, Sy Smith, and the MUSE/IQUE Orchestra at The Huntington and Skirball Cultural Center.
by A.A. Cristi - May 8, 2026
MUSE/IQUE will present THE SUN RISES IN HARLEM, celebrating the Harlem Renaissance with Tony winner Kecia Lewis, Sy Smith, and the MUSE/IQUE Orchestra at The Huntington and Skirball Cultural Center.
Shirine Babb Will Lead MY LORD, WHAT A NIGHT at Penguin Rep Theatre
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 25, 2026
Penguin Rep Theatre, under the leadership of Joe Brancato, founding Artistic Director, and Andrew M. Horn, Executive Director, announced that casting is complete for the New York premiere of Deborah Brevoort’s My Lord, What a Night, which officially kicks off the company’s 49th season.
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 25, 2026
Penguin Rep Theatre, under the leadership of Joe Brancato, founding Artistic Director, and Andrew M. Horn, Executive Director, announced that casting is complete for the New York premiere of Deborah Brevoort’s My Lord, What a Night, which officially kicks off the company’s 49th season.
A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN Extends at Florida Studio Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Apr 1, 2026
Florida Studio Theatre has announced that A Night with Janis Joplin, a concert-style celebration of the legendary singer and the artists who inspired her, has been extended again by audience demand.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 1, 2026
Florida Studio Theatre has announced that A Night with Janis Joplin, a concert-style celebration of the legendary singer and the artists who inspired her, has been extended again by audience demand.
A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN Extended at Florida Studio Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 19, 2026
Florida Studio Theatre's A Night with Janis Joplin, an electrifying concert-style celebration of the legendary singer and the artists who inspired her, has been extended.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 19, 2026
Florida Studio Theatre's A Night with Janis Joplin, an electrifying concert-style celebration of the legendary singer and the artists who inspired her, has been extended.
Review: The New York Pops Time Travels Through American Music at Carnegie Hall
by Sharon Ellman - Mar 16, 2026
THE MUSIC OF US: FROM THEN TO NOW on 3/13 celebrated America's 250 years in music. The trio of phenomenal guest singers - Max Clayton, Nova Payton and Ephraim Sykes brought down the house at the famed venue. Bravo!
by Sharon Ellman - Mar 16, 2026
THE MUSIC OF US: FROM THEN TO NOW on 3/13 celebrated America's 250 years in music. The trio of phenomenal guest singers - Max Clayton, Nova Payton and Ephraim Sykes brought down the house at the famed venue. Bravo!
Curtis Wiley, Rema Webb, and More Will Lead HIS NAME WAS BOBBY SHORT Reading at Abingdon Theatre Company
by Stephi Wild - Mar 3, 2026
Abingdon Theatre Company has announced the cast of an invitation-only reading presentation of the company's first-ever commissioned piece, His Name Was Bobby Short, written by previous Carolyn Halpert Artist-in-Residence Cris Eli Blak.
by Stephi Wild - Mar 3, 2026
Abingdon Theatre Company has announced the cast of an invitation-only reading presentation of the company's first-ever commissioned piece, His Name Was Bobby Short, written by previous Carolyn Halpert Artist-in-Residence Cris Eli Blak.
Mary Bridget Davies Stars in A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN at New Vic Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 26, 2026
Ensemble Theatre Company of Santa Barbara will present A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN at the New Vic Theatre, starring Tony nominee Mary Bridget Davies. The music-driven production explores the life and influences of Janis Joplin.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 26, 2026
Ensemble Theatre Company of Santa Barbara will present A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN at the New Vic Theatre, starring Tony nominee Mary Bridget Davies. The music-driven production explores the life and influences of Janis Joplin.
A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN Comes to Florida Studio Theatre in March
by Stephi Wild - Feb 17, 2026
Florida Studio Theatre will present the Tony-nominated musical A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN starting March 11. The production promises a vibrant tribute to the iconic singer with a powerful performance by its lead.
by Stephi Wild - Feb 17, 2026
Florida Studio Theatre will present the Tony-nominated musical A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN starting March 11. The production promises a vibrant tribute to the iconic singer with a powerful performance by its lead.
MRS. DOUBTFIRE & More Lead Dallas' Winter 2026 Top Theatre Shows
by Team BWW - Feb 5, 2026
Dallas is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for February 2026 include Mrs. Doubtfire and more.
by Team BWW - Feb 5, 2026
Dallas is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for February 2026 include Mrs. Doubtfire and more.
Penguin Rep Theatre To Present Reading Of TAKE ME AMERICA In New York City
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 4, 2026
Penguin Rep Theatre will present a 29-hour reading of the new musical Take Me America on February 13, 2026, at Studios 353 in New York City. The work features a book and lyrics by Bill Nabel and music and additional lyrics by Neil Berg.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 4, 2026
Penguin Rep Theatre will present a 29-hour reading of the new musical Take Me America on February 13, 2026, at Studios 353 in New York City. The work features a book and lyrics by Bill Nabel and music and additional lyrics by Neil Berg.
Greg Osby, Trio Grande and More Set for SFJAZZ February 2026 Lineup
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 26, 2026
SFJAZZ will present a diverse lineup of jazz performances in February 2026, featuring renowned artists and ensembles. The month-long event will take place at the iconic SFJAZZ Center in San Francisco.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 26, 2026
SFJAZZ will present a diverse lineup of jazz performances in February 2026, featuring renowned artists and ensembles. The month-long event will take place at the iconic SFJAZZ Center in San Francisco.
Hattiloo Theatre Partners with Renowned Market Theatre To Bring BLUES IN THE NIGHT To Johannesburg
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 12, 2026
Hattiloo Theatre will present its first African performance with the musical BLUES IN THE NIGHT at Johannesburg's Market Theatre from February 5-22, 2026.
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 12, 2026
Hattiloo Theatre will present its first African performance with the musical BLUES IN THE NIGHT at Johannesburg's Market Theatre from February 5-22, 2026.
Video: Original DREAMGIRLS Star Jennifer Holliday Sings 'I Am Changing' At 54 Below
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 9, 2026
Tony Award winner and original Dreamgirls star Jennifer Holliday brought the house down at 54 Below with a powerful performance of “I Am Changing,” the signature anthem she made famous on Broadway.
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 9, 2026
Tony Award winner and original Dreamgirls star Jennifer Holliday brought the house down at 54 Below with a powerful performance of “I Am Changing,” the signature anthem she made famous on Broadway.
Cabaret Roundup: January 5-11- Ann Hampton Callaway, John McWhorter & More
by Rebecca Kaplan - Jan 5, 2026
Here are a few top picks to consider this week including understudies and standbys from current hit Broadway shows, a reconstruction of a rare early Broadway show presented by renouned writer and linguist John McWhorter and more.
by Rebecca Kaplan - Jan 5, 2026
Here are a few top picks to consider this week including understudies and standbys from current hit Broadway shows, a reconstruction of a rare early Broadway show presented by renouned writer and linguist John McWhorter and more.
Opera Memphis Will Receive National Endowment For The Arts Grant For America250 Projects
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 17, 2025
Opera Memphis has been awarded a National Endowment for the Arts grant as part of the America250 initiative. The funding will support two performances honoring American cultural figures during the company’s 2025–2026 season.
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 17, 2025
Opera Memphis has been awarded a National Endowment for the Arts grant as part of the America250 initiative. The funding will support two performances honoring American cultural figures during the company’s 2025–2026 season.
LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL Will Open on Broadway in the 2026-27 Season
by Stephi Wild - Sep 18, 2025
LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL: A New Orleans Gumbo, the new musical conceived and written by Tony Award winner Jack Viertel, is head to Broadway! Learn more here.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 18, 2025
LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL: A New Orleans Gumbo, the new musical conceived and written by Tony Award winner Jack Viertel, is head to Broadway! Learn more here.
Penguin Rep Presents World Premiere of FLAWLESS
by Emmy Rice - Sep 14, 2025
Penguin Rep Theatre, under the leadership of Joe Brancato, founding Artistic Director, and Andrew M. Horn, Executive Director, presents the world premiere of Flawless, a new play by John J. Wooten, Friday, September 26 through Sunday, October 19 in Stony Point, New York.
by Emmy Rice - Sep 14, 2025
Penguin Rep Theatre, under the leadership of Joe Brancato, founding Artistic Director, and Andrew M. Horn, Executive Director, presents the world premiere of Flawless, a new play by John J. Wooten, Friday, September 26 through Sunday, October 19 in Stony Point, New York.
Full Cast Set for A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN at Bell Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 12, 2025
The full cast has been revealed for A Night with Janis Joplin, starring and co-directed by Mary Bridget Davies, which runs at Bell Theater. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 12, 2025
The full cast has been revealed for A Night with Janis Joplin, starring and co-directed by Mary Bridget Davies, which runs at Bell Theater. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Bessie Smith been in?
Bessie Smith has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.
How many West End shows has Bessie Smith been in?
Bessie Smith has not appeared in the West End.
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