Sweet Mama String Bean at Fremont Centre Theatre

Sweet Mama String Bean

Fremont Centre Theatre
1000 Fremont Avenue South Pasadena

By overwhelming popular demand, ValLimar Jansen and Frank Jansen return their "two-person, one-woman show" about legendary performer Ethel Waters, star of radio, TV, Broadway and feature film, to Fremont Centre Theatre.

Thru - Jan 2, 2011

Price: $15-$30

Show Type: Comedy/Drama

Box Office: 626-441-5977

www.fremontcentretheatre.com/

Sweet Mama String Bean Reviews

Average Rating based on 3 reviews

Highly Recommended
Recommended
Somewhat Recommended
Not Recommended

LA Weekly - Highly Recommended

"...ValLimar Jansen brings Waters' distinguished career to the stage with a fine jazz trio, accompanied by husband Frank Jansen on keyboards. Wearing glittering gowns and feathered headdresses, ValLimar wraps merry humor and an indomitable spirit around her engaging performance as she skips and shimmies her way through 16 classic blues songs, and her mellifluous, full-bodied voice has the depth of strong coffee."

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- Pauline Adamek

LA Splash - Highly Recommended

"...A star whose rise preceded the success of Lena Horne, Josephine Baker, and Hattie McDaniels, Ethel Waters' class and poise in the midst of racial tensions, financial and contractual exploitation and discrimination is a testament to her talent and staying power. ValLimar exudes that strong yet quite spirit that sustained Ethel throughout the show covering songs such as Black and Blue, Heebie Jeebies and St. Louis Blues with ease. Some of Jansen's renditions echo old recordings of Ethel Waters' that have been added to the Grammy Hall of Fame including Dinah, Am I Blue, and Stormy Weather. The highlight of the night is Jansen's rendition of My Handy Man. A song that references sex 16 times you'd think would be too hot for TV, but the innuendo and metaphors that Blake and Razaf used in writing the song is perfect for Jansen to dance and sing to without offending the audience."

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- Carolyn Richardson

The Tolucan Times - Highly Recommended

"...A musically magical, historically engrossing, joyously entertaining production… for blues lovers of all ages… this is a wonderful show! Factually written with heart and soul by ValLimar Jansen and William L. Slout, it follows the complex life of noted blues singer, Ethyl Waters, from her birth in 1896 through 1939 (she passed away in 1977). Creatively directed and staged by Barbara Masters, this "one woman" emotional and musical journey is captivating!"

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- Pat Taylor

Sweet Mama String Bean at Fremont Centre Theatre