Cush Jumbo's JOSEPHINE AND I Added to Public Theater's Spring 2015 Season

The Public Theater announced today that JOSEPHINE AND I, the London hit by Olivier nominated actress and writer Cush Jumbo, has been added to The Public's downtown spring season. Directed by Phyllida Lloyd, the New York premiere of JOSEPHINE AND I will begin performances at Joe's Pub at The Public on Friday, February 27 and run through Sunday, April 5, with an official press opening on Tuesday, March 10.

"We know Cush Jumbo is an astonishing actress; now we get to see her in a whole new light," said Artistic Director Oskar Eustis. "Phyllida Lloyd is one of our bravest and most brilliant directors, and I'm proud to be presenting her long awaited Public debut."

Following a critically acclaimed run at London's Bush Theatre, Cush Jumbo (The River, Julius Caesar, "Getting On") brings her one-woman show to The Public. Born into poverty in the slums of St. Louis, Josephine Baker became one of the most famous and groundbreaking stars of the 20th century. The first African-American performer to rise to international prominence, she was a French Resistance spy and civil rights activist who was married twice by age 16 and served as muse to Pablo Picasso, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway, who called her "the most sensational woman anyone ever saw." Now, nearly 40 years after her death, Baker's life inspires a young woman to face up to the sacrifices required to follow one's dreams. A performance featuring swinging jazz and ragtime rhythms, this theatrical event directed by Tony nominee Phyllida Lloyd (Julius Caesar, Mary Stuart, The Iron Lady, Mama Mia!) interweaves a modern day story of an ambitious young woman with the fascinating life of the peerless, fearless, Josephine Baker.

Member tickets, starting at $30, will be available Tuesday, December 2. Single tickets, starting at $40, will be available Thursday, December 18 by calling (212) 967-7555, www.publictheater.org, or in person at the Taub Box Office at The Public Theater at Astor Place at 425 Lafayette Street. Joe's Pub at The Public serves food nightly but there is no food or drink minimum for JOSEPHINE AND I. The Library at The Public is open nightly for food and drinks, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

This production was originally produced at the Bush Theatre in London. Cush Jumbo is appearing with the permission of Actors' Equity Association. The Producers gratefully acknowledge Actors' Equity Association for its assistance of this production.