Written by Cheryl L. West
Directed by Chuck Smith
“A story that belongs in downtown Chicago”
– CHICAGO TRIBUNE
Pullman Porter Blues
Sep 14 – Oct 27, 2013 in Goodman's Albert Theatre
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!
Critical Praise
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“Absolutely dazzling”
– Chicago Sun-Times
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“A work of grand ambition”
– Chicago Sun-Times
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“West is a sophisticated yet accessible writer who knows how to involve us in human stories”
– Chicago Tribune
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“A ferociously charismatic, dramatic and vocally resplendent E. Faye Butler”
– Daily Herald
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“Winning portrayals from Marshall, Derricks and Morohunfola”
– Chicago Sun-Times
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“A hearty dose of Chicago blues music”
– Daily Herald
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“Handsomely designed production that has the aura of a real Windy City event”
– Daily Herald
Artists
