Photo Flash: Cush Jumbo Stars in JOSEPHINE AND I, Opening Tonight at the Public

The Public Theater will officially open the New York premiere of JOSEPHINE AND I tonight, March 10. Written by Olivier nominated actress and writer Cush Jumbo, and directed by Phyllida Lloyd, JOSEPHINE AND I began previews on Friday, March 27 and runs through Sunday, April 5 at Joe's Pub at The Public. BroadwayWorld has a first look at Jumbo onstage below!

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.

JOSEPHINE AND I features scenic and costume design by Anthony Ward, lighting design by Kate Ashton, original lighting design by Neil Austin, sound design by Will Pickens, original sound design by Simon Baker, and film and photographic sequences by Ravi Deepres.

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.

Member tickets, starting at $30, and single tickets, starting at $40, are available now by calling (212) 967-7555, www.publictheater.org, or in person at the Taub Box Office at The Public Theater at 425 Lafayette Street.

Photo Credit: Joan Marcus

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