My Shows
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

Me and Bessie

Closing: December 05, 1976

Me and Bessie - 1975 Broadway History , Info & More

Ambassador Theatre (Broadway)
219 W. 49th St. New York, NY 10019

Me and Bessie is a musical revue about the life and career of blues singer Bessie Smith. The basically one-woman show, conceived and written by Will Holt and Linda Hopkins and performed by Hopkins, features songs by Lil Green, Clarence Williams, Henry Creamer, Andy Razaf, and Jimmy Cox, among others.

It originally was presented at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. from November 1-17, 1974, then produced by the Center Theatre Group and staged by Robert Greenwald at the Mark Taper Forum from April 4 through May 3, 1975.

The Broadway production was directed by Greenwald, with special dance sequences choreographed by Lester Wilson for two characters, identified only as Man and Woman (Lester Wilson and Gerri Dean). Howlett Smith and Lenny Hambro were co-Musical Directors. Donald Harris was responsible for scenic design.


Get Me and Bessie Email Alerts

Be the first to get ticket offers, news, photos & more.

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.

The Bessies 2024 And 2025 Award Nominations Announced
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 15, 2026


Dixon Place will present the prestigious Bessies award ceremony, recognizing outstanding dance and performance artists, on January 20. This event highlights the achievements in dance and provides a platform for artists to be acknowledged.

Nominations Announced for the 2025 BESSIE AWARDS
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 24, 2025


The New York Dance and Performance Awards, known as THE BESSIES, will announce the 2024 and 2025 honorees at a ceremony on January 20 at Dixon Place. This year’s nominations span choreography, performance, design, and revival categories.

Review: THE WIZ at Short North Stage
by Paul Batterson - Nov 24, 2025


What did our critic think of THE WIZ at Short North Stage?

Wally Cardona And Molly Lieber Reimagine David Gordon & Valda Setterfield’s TIMES FOUR At New York Live Arts
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 3, 2025


New York Live Arts and Pick Up Performance Co. will present the world premiere of TIMES FOUR / David Gordon: 1975/2025, Wally Cardona and Molly Lieber’s reconceiving of Gordon and Valda Setterfield’s 1975 duet.

15 Broadway Musicals with Multiple Movie Adaptations
by Josh Sharpe - Jul 19, 2025


For years, Broadway musicals have spawned multiple film adaptations, from the early days of cinema to Steven Spielberg's remake of West Side Story. Take a look at our list of 15 musicals that have danced their way to the screen more than once!

A History of Pop Music Bio-Musicals
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Jun 29, 2025


Just In Time’s origin story as well as overall conceit has much in common with one of Broadway’s very first jukebox musicals, which was ahead of its time. In 1985, Leader of the Pack, telling the story of pop singer-songwriter Ellie Greenwich, opened at the Ambassador on Broadway. Learn all about pop music bio-musicals here!

Edward Albee's THREE TALL WOMEN to Continue The 'From A To Zoo' Staged Reading Series In Teaneck
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 30, 2025


In association with The Estate of Edward Albee, Black Box will present a staged reading of Edward Albee's THREE TALL WOMEN (1991). Learn more and see how to attend.

Edward Albee's THE GOAT Reboots The 'From A To Zoo' Staged Reading Series in Teaneck
by Stephi Wild - Jan 6, 2025


In association with The Estate of Edward Albee, Black Box will present a staged reading of Edward Albee's THE GOAT (2002) this month. Learn more about the upcoming performance here!

Theater For The New City Presents 50th Annual THUNDERBIRD AMERICAN INDIAN DANCERS' POW-WOW AND DANCE CONCERT
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 16, 2024


Theater for the New City will present its 50th annual Thunderbird American Indian Dancers Pow Wow and Dance Concert from January 10 to 19, 2025.

Edward Albee's SEASCAPE to be Featured in Black Box's 'From A To Zoo' Staged Reading Series
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 3, 2024


Edward Albee's SEASCAPE will be featured in the 'From A To Zoo' staged reading series, offering audiences a chance to experience this classic play in a unique format. Learn how to attend!

FROM A TO ZOO Staged Reading Series Resumes With Edward Albee's ALL OVER
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 10, 2024


In association with The Estate of Edward Albee, Black Box will present ALL OVER (1971)) on Wednesday, June 26th, 2024, 7:30PM at Debonair Music Hall.

The Joyce Theater Unveils Fall '24/Winter '25 Season Of Dance
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 21, 2024


Discover the exciting Fall '24/Winter '25 season at The Joyce Theater. See who is performing and learn how to purchase tickets.

New York City Ballet Unveils 2024-25 Season Featuring 58 Ballets
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 15, 2024


New York City Ballet has revealed its 2024-25 season. See the productions and learn how to purchase tickets!

Edward Albee's ME, MYSELF & I Continues The FROM A TO ZOO Staged Reading Series In April
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 29, 2024


In association with The Estate of Edward Albee, Black Box PAC will present ME, MYSELF & I (2008) on Thursday, April 25th, 2024, 7:30PM at Debonair Music Hall.

F. Murray Abraham Will Appear in a Benefit Reading of Edward Albee's FRAGMENTS
by Stephi Wild - Mar 13, 2024


​​​​​​​F. Murray Abraham will appear in a special benefit performance of Edward Albee's FRAGMENTS on Saturday, April 6th, 2024, 8:00PM at Debonair Music Hall.

Ford And Campbell Join Workshop Of New Edward Kleban Musical GALLERY
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 12, 2024


Join the Weathervane Theatre for a workshop presentation of the new Edward Kleban musical, GALLERY, starring Sara Jean Ford and Ta’Rea Campbell.

Staged Reading of AT HOME AT THE ZOO Comes to Debonair Music Hall Next Week
by Stephi Wild - Mar 12, 2024


Black Box PAC will present a staged reading of AT HOME AT THE ZOO (1959/2004) on Wednesday, March 20th, 2024, 7:30PM at Debonair Music Hall.

Sara Jean Ford and Ta'Rea Campbell Join Workshop of Ed Kleban's GALLERY
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 11, 2024


The Weathervane Theatre will offer a workshop presentation of GALLERY by Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winner Ed Kleban. We have all the details!

Mary Testa to Star in GALLERY Workshop Presentation at The Weathervane Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 14, 2024


The Weathervane Theatre will offer a Workshop presentation of GALLERY by Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winner Ed Kleban (A Chorus Line). Learn more about Gallery and see who is starring!

Edward Albee's EVERYTHING IN THE GARDEN Comes to Debonair Music Hall This Month
by Stephi Wild - Feb 12, 2024


In association with The Estate of Edward Albee, Black Box PAC presents 1963's EVERYTHING IN THE GARDEN on Wednesday, February 28th, 2024 at Debonair Music Hall. Learn more about the show and how to attend here!

Edward Albee's THE LADY FROM DUBUQUE to be Presented Next Week at Black Box Studios
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 10, 2024


An exclusive staged reading will take place for Edward Albee's THE LADY FROM DUBUQUE at Black Box Studios. See details!

Black Box PAC to Present 1980's THE LADY FROM DUBUQUE
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 22, 2023


In association with The Estate of Edward Albee, Black Box PAC will present 1980's THE LADY FROM DUBUQUE.

TNC Presents Its 49th Annual Thunderbird American Indian Dancers' Pow-wow And Dance Concert, January 12 - 21
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 11, 2023


TNC presents its 49th Annual Thunderbird American Indian Dancers' Pow-Wow and Dance Concert from Jan. 12 to 21, 2024. All proceeds benefit Native American scholarship fund.

Exclusive Edward Albee Event Comes to Teaneck in December
by Stephi Wild - Nov 27, 2023


In association with The Estate of Edward Albee, the Black Box presents 2000's THE PLAY ABOUT THE BABY as the next monthly staged reading in EDWARD ALBEE: FROM A TO ZOO, AN EXCLUSIVE STAGED READING SERIES OF EDWARD ALBEE'S PLAYS. 

Me and Bessie History

Other Productions of Me and Bessie

1975   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
1977   US Tour National Tour
US Tour

Videos


TICKET CENTRAL
Hot Show
Tickets From $59
Hot Show
Tickets From $77
Hot Show
Tickets From $70
Hot Show
Tickets From $59