Los Angeles Times - Recommended
"...Epps delivers this period tale with flair, drawing vibrant performances from his ensemble, anchored by two rock-solid leads. The irresistible Carroll is worthy of his astonishing chartreuse hat, and a wary, restless Givens drapes herself over the nearest piece of furniture with studied feline allure. Certain moments could become deeper, more reflective, and that's likely to happen as the run continues. In the meantime, come on by for some romance, hooch and hollering. Mr. Epps and his Playhouse know how to let the good times roll."
Backstage - Recommended
"...Playwright Pearl Cleage's old-fashioned potboiler about the demimonde of 1930s Harlem gets a sturdy outing under the direction of Sheldon Epps. Although hardly an adventurous piece, the play is an entertaining and engaging melodrama, with solid performances in a cast headed by Robin Givens."
Stage Scene LA - Recommended
"...Cleage paints these emotions-love, hate, jealousy, fear, resentment, hope, despair, and rage-with big bright strokes while a simply sensational cast give them humanity and life in this wow of a play and production."
Examiner - Recommended
"...Reflecting life Blues for an Alabama Sky includes belly laughs as well as tender moments. Completely satisfying, this production lingers with the audience long after the final curtain. Lovers of great plays should act quickly to reserve tickets. Missing this gem would be a real loss."
The Tolucan Times - Recommended
"...Controversial social issues of the period are also explored, such as abortion, homosexuality, and Prohibition, all in a delicate yet powerful presentation."
LA Stage Times - Recommended
"...Having recently lambasted the Pasadena Playhouse musical South Street, I'm happy to report that the current playhouse attraction, Blues for an Alabama Sky, is a blessed return to fine form for the playhouse and for artistic director Sheldon Epps, who is directing a playhouse production for the first time since the playhouse's 2010 bankruptcy."
TheatreMania - Somewhat Recommended
"...Therefore, it's all the more disappointing that the production at The Pasadena Playhouse, with a cast led by Robin Givens and directed by Playhouse artistic director Sheldon Epps, holds so much promise but doesn't entirely live up to it."
Advice To The Players - Recommended
"...Reflecting life Blues for an Alabama Sky includes belly laughs as well as tender moments. Completely satisfying, this production lingers with the audience long after the final curtain. Lovers of great plays should act quickly to reserve tickets. Missing this gem would be a real loss."
Total Theater - Recommended
"...Now Epps has been able to catch up with Blues,bringing it to vibrant life in a production that skillfully surmounts the play's problems."
The Stage Struck Review - Recommended
"...Every once in a while going to the theater stops being a job and starts being just a pleasure. That's when I know I'm watching something extraordinary. Walking away from the Pasadena Playhouse production of "Blues for an Alabama Sky," Pearl Cleage's 1999 tribute to depression-era Harlem, I had that feeling. It's a beautiful, meaningful play given a taut and splendid production."
