ETC’s “Black Pearl Sings!” Earns LCT Nomination

Panelists for the League of Cincinnati Theatres (LCT) have recognized Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati’s Black Pear Sings! with an LCT nomination for lead actress in a play (Torie Wiggins) as well as distinguishing it as a recommended production.

Set during the Great Depression, Susannah travels the country, recording lost traditional songs. Hoping to find the one song that will bring her long-awaited recognition, she discovers Pearl Johnson in a Texas prison. With a silky, soulful voice and a wealth of African-American spiritual songs, Pearl seeks information and a chance at freedom. This moving drama chronicles a powerful story about being a woman in a man’s world, being black in a white world, and fighting for one’s soul in a world where anyone can be a commodity.

Panelists praised Torie Wiggins’ portrayal of Pearl as “consistent and transformative”; “she beautifully captured the internal struggle, humanity, humor, pain, and joy of this complex woman.” Panelists praised the overall production for “the caliber of the performances and the sensitivity of the direction”—“everyone should see it”.

Black Pearl Sings! continues through March 31st. Tickets can be purchased at www.ensemblecincinnati.org.

Final LCT awards will be determined at the end of the season and announced at the LCT gala in the spring.