The show tells the life of Waters, who grew up in poverty in Philadelphia but eventually become a major star on Broadway and in Hollywood, where she received an Academy Award nomination for Pinky. The show will include such Waters' standards as "Stormy Weather," "Black and Blue," and "Taking a Chance on Love."

Jackson received Tony nominations for her performances in Raisin and the 1977 revival of Guys and Dolls. She has also been seen on Broadway in the original production of Hello, Dolly! (Pearl Bailey company), Applause, and Joe Turner's Come and Gone. She also played another legend, Billie Holliday, in Lady Day at the Emerson Bar and Grill, in regional theater..