His Eye is on the Sparrow
- A musical biography of Ethel Waters
- Previews are Feb. 4-9 | Opening night Feb. 10
- By Larry Parr
- Directed by Timothy Douglas
JUMP TO: Dates, Run Time, Playbill, & More
After a rough and spirit-breaking childhood, Ethel Waters became a Vaudeville success, a recording sensation and crossed racial barriers to emerge as a Broadway and Hollywood star. But a reputation for being difficult and her own distrust of those who might employ her or love her — partly a response to the horrors of Jim Crow America — caused her to lose everything and become a recluse, until she found new strength as a gospel performer. Through it all, there were the songs – the ones that gave her solace and the ones that made her a legend. This is her remarkable story, filled with the greatest hits of a lifetime, including “Stormy Weather,” "This Joint is Jumpin'" and “Am I Blue?”
Run Time:
Approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, including one intermission.
Who’s Who:
View the cast and creative team bios.
Playbill:
Explore the playbill.
Note:
Recommended for ages 14 and up. Contains some mature content and language. Children under 6 are not permitted at any production.
Resource Guide:
Download resource guide (PDF)
More About This Production
Reviews of "His Eye is on the Sparrow"
"I loved the whole of McQueen's performance. She's funny and heartbreaking and brassy and dynamic and again, again, so authentic. ... what happens during the play: you feel lifted up. By Ethel Waters' music, her truth, her hilarious barbs, her persistence."
Behind the Scenes: "His Eye is on the Sparrow"
Go behind the scenes with the our Scenic Charge (aka paints!) team and artist Elecia Beebe as they bring to life a giant abstract mural depicting the life and times of Ethel Waters for the set of His Eye on the Sparrow.
"His Eye is on the Sparrow" Cast and Creative Team
Maiesha McQueen returns to The Armory after starring in Ain't Misbehavin' last season.
Ethel Waters & “His Eye is on the Sparrow”
Literary Manager Benjamin Fainstein tells how the gospel song "His Eye is on the Sparrow" became the signature song of jazz, blues and acting legend Ethel Waters.
Resource Guide for Educators: The World of the Play
The World of Ethel Waters & His Eye is on the Sparrow
Resource Guide for Educators: Cast & Creative Team
Cast and Creative Team for His Eye is on the Sparrow
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