From the direst slums of Philadelphia to the heights of fame in film, music, and on Broadway, from bitterness toward virtually everyone to the love of all mankind she demonstrated in the Billy Graham crusades, Ethel Waters’ life was an incredible journey. In His Eye Is On The Sparrow, Waters comes alive as she tells the tale of all that she had to overcome and all that she was able to become, and as she performs the music that brought her fame, from “Stormy Weather” to the title song.

What happened to Gem of the Ocean?

In selecting this year’s season, I chose Gem of The Ocean because playwright August Wilson (Fences and Jitney) is a brilliant writer that we don’t produce often enough, because the script is a beautiful and poetic journey of awareness that exemplifies the affect of our history on our youth, and because I was very excited to return Sheila Ramsey to our stage.

Sheila is a founding artist with the company who has performed, taught and directed throughout this community. Unfortunately, she has recently been given some immense medical challenges from which she is still recovering. It is possible that she will be ready for Gem in the spring, but I would rather postpone the production than to place a goal that might frustrate her progress. I don’t want to produce this script without Sheila.

We now have an opportunity to bring you a brand new show, not seen before in Ohio, celebrating a great character actress and singer of the 20th century. This tribute shows the inner turmoil and strength of a woman, born in poverty in whore’s alley of Philadelphia, and her climb to national recognition on stage and screen. I am pleased to announce our June, 2009 production of ETHEL WATERS: His Eye Is On The Sparrow.

-Marsha Hanna, Artistic Director

Running Time: TBA

Performance Calendar

Ethel Waters sings “Taking A Chance on Love” from the film, Cabin In The Sky, the 1943 first directing effort of Vincente Minnelli (father of Liza).

Ethel Waters in the 1952 movie Member of the Wedding, with Julie Harris and Brandon De Wilde. All three appeared in the original Broadway production.

Ethel Waters and the Count Basie Orchestra, performing “Quicksand” from the 1943 film, Stage Door Canteen.

Ethel Waters doing a TV commercial for Jello – mid 1960’s.

Ethel Waters and Eddie Anderson (Rochester) singing the title song from Cabin in the Sky.