The Devil's Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith

Theatre

St. Luke's Theatre (New York, NY)
308 West 46th Street
New York, NY 10036

Running Time

1 hour and 30 minutes, with no intermission

Schedule

Monday & Tuesday at 7pm
Wednesday at 8pm

Price

$29.50-$99

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Sexy and racy, Blues singer Bessie Smith was the definition of a Red Hot Mamma and the most successful entertainer of her time. On the eve of her tragic death in 1937, Bessie takes center stage in a Memphis "buffet flat." Now, among friends, she tells the story of her amazing life, career, her loves and losses. Put your troubles aside, and soak up the blues as Bessie Smith comes to life and sings the songs that made her so unforgettable, St. Louis Blues, Need a Little Sugar in my Bowl and Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out.

Miche Braden as Bessie commands the stage like an empress -- which is only fitting because Bessie Smith was known as The Empress of the Blues. She gives a towering performance that fully and forcefully brings Bessie and her music to life. - Theatremania

Miche Braden embodies much of Bessie in this portrayal, her colorful vocals playful, her emotional yearnings truthful. And she does know how to work an audience. It's a class act performed without an intermission! - NY Theatre Examiner

Photo Flash: END OF THE RAINBOW's Tracie Bennett Visits THE DEVIL'S MUSIC
by BWW News Desk - April 24, 2012

Penguin Rep Theatre (Joe Brancato, Artistic Director, and Andrew M. Horn, Executive Director) and Edmund Gaynes, in association with Don and LizAnne Mitchell, presents The Devil's Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith, a musical by Angelo Parra, conceived and directed by Joe Brancato. Miche Braden stars as Bessie Smith, along with Aaron Graves, Jim Hankins, Keith Loftis, and Anthony E. Nelson, Jr. Performances began June 7th Off-Broadway at St. Luke's Theater (308 West 46th Street). Tracie Bennett, currently starring in END OF THE RAINBOW on Broadway, stopped by the show with her co-star Tom Pelphrey. View photos below! (more...)

Photo Flash: First Look at THE DEVIL'S MUSIC
by BWW News Desk - June 13, 2011

Penguin Rep Theatre, in Association with Edmund Gaynes, will present The Devil's Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith, written by Angelo Parra, conceived and directed by Joe Brancato. Miche Braden stars as Bessie Smith, along with Aaron Graves, Jim Hankins, Keith Loftis, and Anthony E. Nelson, Jr. (more...)

Penguin Rep Presents The Devil's Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith
by BWW News Desk - May 23, 2011

Penguin Rep Theatre (Joe Brancato, Artistic Director, and Andrew M. Horn, Executive Director) and Edmund Gaynes, in association with Don and Lizanne Mitchell, will present The Devil's Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith, a musical by Angelo Parra, conceived and directed by Joe Brancato. (more...)

Penguin Rep Presents The Devil's Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith
by BWW News Desk - May 17, 2011