Dinah Was

The “Queen of the Blues” is back! ER’s Yvette Freeman reprises her Obie Award-winning role as Dinah Washington when International City Theatre presents Dinah Was at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center. Joining Freeman in Oliver Goldstick’s musical biography of the legendary singer are Roy Abramsohn, Peter Van Norden, Darryl Alan Reed and Sybyl Walker. caryn desai directs, with musical direction by Lanny Hartley.

Swaddled in white mink, swigging from a silver flask, Dinah Washington concocted a blues-soaked singing style that was equal parts Baptist fervor, brandy, and sex. Her sweet, earthy voice carried her from humble beginnings as a Chicago church soloist to prominence as the self-described “Queen of the Blues.” Yvette Freeman captures Washington’s singular style, delivering songs she rendered unforgettable including “What a Diff’rence a Day Makes,” “I Wanna Be Loved,” and “Come Rain or Come Shine.” Dinah Was explodes with the rhythms, tough breaks, and tender notes that fired the life and music of this passionate performer.