Written by Cheryl L. West
Directed by Chuck Smith

"A story that belongs in downtown Chicago"
– CHICAGO TRIBUNE

September 14 - October 27, 2013 in Goodman's Albert Theatre

Around 2 hours and 40 minutes with one intermission

This rollicking, music-fueled trip back in time takes us into the luxurious Pullman trains of the 1930s, where the hidden lives of African American porters emerge to take center stage and classic Blues favorites—including “Sweet Home Chicago”—come to life.

It’s June of 1937, and the Panama Limited Pullman Train is speeding from Chicago to New Orleans on the night of the Joe Louis/James Braddock world heavyweight championship. Three generations of Sykes men—African American train porters—wrestle with ghosts of the past and dreams for the future as they eagerly await word of the Brown Bomber’s victory. Set to timeless Blues tunes performed by a live, on-stage band, Pullman Porter Blues is a spirited, music-infused ride you won’t soon forget!

 

 

 

Trailer

Behind-the-Scenes

Trailer

Behind-the-Scenes

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Artists

By CHERYL L. WEST, Directed by CHUCK SMITH

Cast

E. FAYE BUTLER - Sister Juba
JMICHAEL - Keys
CLEAVANT DERRICKS - Slyvester Sykes
ANDERSON EDWARDS - Shorty
FRANCIS GUINAN - Tex
CLAIRE KANDER - Lutie
CHIC STREET MAN - Professor Slick
LARRY MARSHALL - Monroe Sykes
TOSIN MOROHUNFOLA - Cephas Sykes
SENUWELL L. SMITH - Twist

Creative Team and Crew

RICCARDO HERNÁNDEZ - Scenic Design
BIRGIT RATTENBORG WISE  - Costume Design
ROBERT CHRISTEN - Lighting Design
RAY NARDELLI - Sound Design
JOSHUA HORVATH - Sound Design
MIKE TUTAJ - Projection Design
SONIA DAWKINS - Musical Staging
ADAM BELCUORE - Casting
JOSEPH DRUMMOND - Production Stage Manager

Critical Praise

  • "Absolutely dazzling"

    - Chicago Sun-Times

  • "A work of grand ambition"

    - Chicago Sun-Times

  • "West is a sophisticated yet accessible writer who knows how to involve us in human stories"

    - Chicago Tribune

  • "A ferociously charismatic, dramatic and vocally resplendent E. Faye Butler"

    - Daily Herald

  • "Winning portrayals from Marshall, Derricks and Morohunfola"

    - Chicago Sun-Times

  • "A hearty dose of Chicago blues music"

    - Daily Herald

  • "Handsomely designed production that has the aura of a real Windy City event"

    - Daily Herald

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