This one-woman show starring singer, Windy Barnes, follows the story of the fictitious character, Shady Henson, as she works the “Chitlin Circuit” from 1955 through 1980 in search of stardom. Shady’s spicy, untold secrets are revealed as she reminisces, sharing dramatic stories of her past. Playwright: Carla DuPree Clark.
Runtime: 90 minutes not including intermission.
The “Chitlin Circuit” was slang for the circuit of performance venues in the east, south, and upper Midwest where African American entertainers were able to play during the era of racial segregation. To make it to the big time, artists would need to play the Regal in Chicago, the Howard in D.C., the Uptown in Philly, and the Apollo in New York City.
Windy Barnes: Shady Henson
“One of the most beautiful voices in America…Windy sings like heaven.” — Julio Iglesias. And it’s true! Windy is not only a local San Pedran, but she is also an internationally recognized R&B and Jazz vocalist who has been performing professionally since the age of 14. She got her formal training at VanderCook College of Music. Windy has toured with Julio Iglesias, Stevie Wonder and Michael Bolton and has performed extensively in China and Southeast Asia. When she’s not on stage belting out songs, Windy is a choir director and music festival producer. She runs and operates Windy Barnes International Voice Academy and Windy City Entertainment. Windy City Entertainment is known for producing the annual San Pedro Music Festival at the Warner Grand Theatre.
Carla DuPree Clark: Director & Writer
A multi-award-winning director, producer, author, playwright, actress and poet. Carla has earned two awards for Best Director, positive reviews from the L.A Times and other media outlets, and four commendations for developing community relations and preserving history from Long Beach, San Pedro and Los Angeles. She is an editor, ghostwriter and published author. She is the co-founder and former executive director of Theatre Perception Consortium, where she co-authored and co-produced numerous award-winning musicals. She has also directed a documentary entitled “Still… Fighting For The Dream” (Voting Rights in America). Carla has been on a mission for almost thirty years to inspire, motivate and provide quality entertainment in theatre.
Performance Schedule
- Sunday, November 5, 3:00 PM World Premiere
- Sunday, November 12, 3:00 PM
