Billy Graham News

The Human Race Theatre Company will bring a new musical about the rags-to-riches life of one of the 20th century's most acclaimed performers to The Loft Theatre in June. Ethel Waters: His Eye Is On The Sparrow tells Waters' story, from birth to a 13-year old mother in a Philadelphia slum, through massive trials and travails, to becoming a star of nightclubs, recordings, Broadway, film and the Billy Graham Crusade. While His Eye Is On The Sparrow presents a happy opportunity for local audiences to see a fine new work, one that includes such massive hits for Waters as the title song and 'Stormy Weather,' the event that led to its selection is a sad one. August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean, part of the late playwright's famed Pittsburgh Cycle, had been scheduled for June, but will not be performed.

'Sweet Mama Stringbean', an entertaining jukebox musical based on the life of Ethel Waters, produced by Woodie King's New Federal Theatre, has a brilliantly talented cast that more than make up for the script's weaknesses.

Woodie King Jr.'s New Federal Theatre will present the world premiere of Beth Turner's new musical, SWEET MAMA STRINGBEAN (based on the life of Ethel Waters, the legendary star of stage, film and television) April 3, 2008 through April 27, 2008. The production will have its official opening on Wednesday, April 9, 2008. Elizabeth Van Dyke Directs.

NYC's theater community rolls out the welcome wagon for the GOP convention...not!