The first three months of the year do not usually offer such a bounty of shows and performances. But in the midst of a tough economy, performing arts are thriving onstage, with many works planting themselves in memory.
Theater critics: Shows that have impressed us
by Graydon Royce and Rohan Preston
Star Tribune, March 27, 2010
From the soulful music, to the clever stylings of two powerful actresses that captivate throughout the production, this play is a must see for any lover of theater and anyone ready to delve into a new theatrical experience.
Black Pearl Sings Review
by Alaina L. Lewis
Insight News, February 26, 2010
This play lives or dies on the power of the actor doing the eponymous Pearl and in Crystal Fox director Lou Bellamy has found the real deal.
Black Pearl Sings at Penumbra Theatre
by John Olive
How Was The Show, February 21, 2010
On C. Lance Brockman's handsome and evocative set, performers Crystal Fox and Stacia Rice build solid characters
Theater review: Performers of 'Black Pearl Sings!' rise above the script
by Dominic P. Papatola
Pioneer Press, February 21, 2010
Bellamy is a genius at locating...even in the most seemingly simple plots, the gray matter between black and white and applying a gentle yet powerful dramatic touch to pull apart the cliches and conventional wisdom, exposing the raw humanity at the quivering heart of all cultural experience.
Review: Penumbra hits the right notes in "Black Pearl Sings!"
by Tim Gihring
Minnesota Monthly, February 20, 2010
...Rice is such a good actress that she makes the most of Susannah's few vulnerabilities. And Crystal Fox is simply fantastic as Pearl, whose pain is etched in her face and in the songs that well up out of her so naturally.
Review: Black Pearl Sings! @ Penumbra Theatre
by Tad Simons
The Morning After, Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, February 19, 2010
Crystal Fox and Stacia Rice hit some high notes of understanding in "Black Pearl Sings!" at Penumbra.
Review: A duet in black and white
by Rohan Preston
Star Tribune, February 19, 2010
A new play at Penumbra Theatre in St. Paul explores the relationship between an academic collecting slave songs, and a woman prisoner who claims to have the songs the researcher needs.
Black Pearl Sings and touches on difficult issues
by Euan Kerr
MPR, February 17, 2010
It's about realizing that no matter the barriers, culturally or economically, what matters is at the core, we are humans and we can all connect.
Actresses in Penumbra production "Black Pearl Sings!" say this two-woman play is a gem
by Ross Raihala
Pioneer Press, February 16, 2010
The Penumbra show looks at a researcher and a prisoner who come together over a collection of songs.
"Black Pearl" uses history to explore the present
by Rohan Preston
Star Tribune, February 13, 2010
