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The Netherlands and Belgium
The World Music Theatre Festival is touring Blind Lemon Blues to ten cities in The Netherlands and Belgium from March 10 - 25, 2007.
Saturday March 10th, 2007 at Chasse Theater in Breda
Wednesday March 14th, 2007 at Twentse Schouwburg in Enschede
Thursday March 15th, 2007 at Podium Mozaiek in Amsterdam
Friday March 16th, 2007 at Zuiderpershuis in Anvers
Saturday March 17th, 2007 at Stadsschouwburg in Sittard
Sunday March 18th, 2007 at Vredenburg in Utrecht
Tuesday March 20th, 2007 at Oude Luxor Theater in Rotterdam
Wednesday March 21st, 2007 at Stadsschouwburg in Groningen
Thursdat March 22nd, 2007 at De Regentes in The Hauge
Sunday March 25th, 2007 at Leidse Schouwburg in Leiden
Blind Lemon Blues pays
homage to the influence of Blind Lemon Jefferson, who emerged
in the 1920s as the biggest selling country blues singer
in America. Set in New York City in 1948 at the last recording
session of the legendary Huddie Ledbetter, better known
as Leadbelly, Blind Lemon Blues combines elements
of traditional blues, gospel, rhythm and blues, soul, doo-wop,
and rap to evoke the enduring legacy of Blind Lemon and his
contemporaries, Blind Willie Johnson, Lillian Glinn, Hattie
Hudson, Bobbie Cadillac, Lillian Miller and Leadbelly himself.
In Blind
Lemon Blues Govenar and Babatunde explore
the relations between blues music and the spectrum of the
human circumstance -- from joy to pain, despair to hope. The
current incarnation of Blind Lemon Blues is an evolution
of the original play Prince of Country Blues that
debuted in 1998. Since that time much has changed, include
the casting of Blind Lemon himself. Originally played by
David Peaston, the Blind Lemon role is now performed by Akin
Babatunde.
Most recently, Blind Lemon Blues, was presented in New York City as part of the Works & Process series at the Guggenheim Museum (February 11 & 12, 2007) , followed by its off-Broadway premiere at the York Theatre (February 15-25, 2007).
The New York Times | 2/20/07
"A lively and intelligent new musical! An Inspiration!"
Variety | 2/16/07
by Marilyn Stasio
"Blues lovers be grateful, be very, very grateful! One sensational guitarist
(Sam Swank), two powerhouse bluesmen (Akin Babatunde and Cavin Yarbrough),
four savvy backup singers (Lillias White, Alisa Peoples Yarbrough, Benita
Arterberry, Timothy Parham), and some 60 songs by legendary blues artist
Blind Lemon Jefferson are enough to make any blues lover go weak at the
knees. Blind Lemon Jefferson's voice emerges with full force!"
The Village Voice
"You may have to shoot someone to get a ticket, but that wouldn't surprise
Blind Lemon Jefferson, the great country-blues singer whose songs make clear
that he knew all about what passion can drive people to do!"
Wolf Entertainment Guide
by William Wolf
"Music is the order of the day! The audience is treated to an avalanche of
numbers that in one way or another reflect the African American experience.
As well as being entertaining, the show amounts to a quick musical education
course. A bountiful performance! "
TheaterScene.net | 2/18/07
by Victor Gluck
"A new foot tapping, soul stirring musical! Traditional blues, gospel R&B,
soul, doo-wop and rap bring to life the legacy and career of Blind Lemon
Jefferson. . A magnificent musical triple-threat brings back to life a
nearly forgotten era of America's musical culture!"
Musicals101 | 2/2007
by John Kenrick
"The blues come in all sorts of hues, and the York Theatre's latest new
musical Blind Lemon Blues offers a joyous, soulful rainbow of them! From
the mournful to the raunchy, it's all here and flows as smoothly as vintage
scotch. One hell of a good time! The talents on hand are rich and
delicious.Praise is clearly due to all concerned. A heartfelt gem! Such a
fine entertainment deserves a longer run in New York!"
Talkin
Broadway
"An evening packed with the blues can leave you feeling every other color!
A beautifully blended song list. Creators Alan Govenar and Akin Babatunde
have ensured that, by show's end, you feel a spiritual kinship with both
Jefferson and the legions of artists his soulful stylings inspired!"
Broadwayworld
"A night of sweet singing blues.A very talented ensemble! Stirring!"
American Theaterweb
"A terrific blend of blues and rhythm and blues, delivered by a top-notch
six-person ensemble. Enough toe-tapping music to fill two or three shows!
Given the strength of the material and the show's formidable musical assets,
there's the potential for Blind Lemon Blues to become another hit along the
lines of Ain't Misbehavin'!"
more reviews>
2001 LEON RABIN AWARD for OUTSTANDING
NEW PLAY OR MUSICAL |
