New York City
Beverley stars as cabaret singer Mabel Mercer in her original one-woman play.
Urban Stages has announced a three-week extension for its world-premiere production of Mabel Madness, a musical play written by and starring Tony Award winner Trezana Beverley (For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf). Performances began February 19 and were originally slated to run through March 20. The show will now play through April 10.
Codirected by Frances Hill and Peter Napolitano, Mabel Madness tells the story of famous cabaret chanteuse, Mabel Mercer. The production is described as follows: "On stage for probably the last time, legendary performer Mabel Mercer, who influenced the likes of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Billie Holiday, confronts the events that has led her to this moment. From a white British mother who refused to acknowledge her black daughter to vocal mishaps that ultimately led to her signature Story Song style, Mabel reveals all as she prepares to take her final bow."
With musical direction by Tuffus Zimbabwe, the show features classic songs from Mercer’s repertoire as well as original songs written by Barry Levitt (composer) and Peter Napolitano (lyrics). The creative team also includes lighting design by Christina Watanabe, projection design by Nicholas Blade Guldner, and costume design by Gail Cooper-Hecht.