The show is set in New York City in 1948 at the last recording session of the legendary singer Leadbelly, a contemporary of Jefferson's. Prior to its York engagement, it will be featured as part of the Guggenheim Museum's Works & Process series on February 11-12.

The cast also includes Benita Arterberry, Cavin Yarbrough, Alisa Peoples Yarbrough, Walter Fauntleroy, and guitarist Sam Swank. The creative team features Russell Parkman (sets), Tommy Bourgeois (costumes), Steve Woods (lighting), and Norma Miller (choreographic consultant).

White received the Tony Award, among many other honors, for her role as Sonia in The Life. Her other Broadway credits include Cats, Once on This Island, Dreamgirls, and Chicago. She also received the Obie Award for Romance in Hard Times.