The Black Rep Presents BLACK PEARL SINGS! 4/20-5/15

Set in the 1930's, jailed in a Texas prison, Alberta "Pearl" Johnson has little hope for release and even less for reconnecting with her missing daughter. That is until Susannah Mullally, a song collector on a mission to record pieces of African American culture, overhears Pearl singing while on a visit to the prison. Through her music, Pearl has the unexpected opportunity to earn her freedom and search for her daughter. This work harnesses race relations and the rich oral history of the African American community to build a tale that is funny, touching and compelling.

Black Pearl Sings! by Frank Higgins will run from April 20, 2011 through May 15, 2011; with performances Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7 pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, with matinees Saturdays and Sundays at 3 pm. Tickets are available from The Black Rep Box Office (314) 534-3810, or from MetroTix (314) 534-1111, or online at theblackrep.org and metrotix.com.

Performances take place at the Grandel Theatre 3610 Grandel Square 63108 (just off Grand, one block north of The Fox Theatre). For more information: www.theblackrep.org.

"Black Pearl Sings explores its theme with intelligence and feeling." Houston Chronicle By Everett Evans, Copyright 2007.

Andrea Frye, who directed The Black Rep production Pericles, was last seen as Mama Nadi in The Black Rep production Ruined, returns to direct Black Pearl Sings!.

Black Pearl Sings! will feature the accomplished performer, Denise Thimes, an undisputed class act. She has toured both America and Europe with several critically acclaimed productions and is an 8?time recipient of The Black Rep Woodie Award for both musicals and drama. Joining Ms. Thimes is Shanara Gabrielle (Susannah Mullally) who is thrilled to make her debut at The Black Rep.

"Moving, funny and intellectually compelling, this production is one of the best anywhere so far this season." - Houston Press

Black Pearl Sings! set is designed by Chris Pickart, with costumes by Felia Davenport, lights by Sean Savoie, sound by Robin Weatherall and Charles Creath, recent Kevin Kline recipient, is the Music Director.

The Black Rep is the country's largest and premier professional, African-American theatre, providing platforms for interpretation of theatre, dance and other creative expressions from the African-American perspective. The Company is committed to entertaining diverse audiences, educating promising youth and enriching our community through its mainstage productions and educational programs that touch the lives of more than 150,000 people each year. The Black Rep receives sustaining support from Missouri Arts Council, Regional Arts Commission, and the Arts and Education Council.