Also this issue:

Reflections
Beth Lipman uses glass to recreate and redefine artwork of the past.
-Robin Rice

High School Reunion
-Jim Weaver

Bill T. Jones
-Deni Kasrel

Sounds Like Progress
-Juliet Fletcher

H.T. Chen
-Janet Anderson

April 11-17, 2002

theater

My Lord, What a Morning

Theater

Marian Anderson was one of our greatest classical singers. Her rich contralto voice had the kind of fire and star quality that made it instantly identifiable. Her operatic career was limited -- not by her talent, but because most opera theaters were too tentative to hire a black prima donna. But Anderson's concerts are legendary. In mixing the standard European art-song repertoire (Sibelius was one of her great fans) with (as they were called then) Negro spirituals, Anderson virtually defined what an American recital should be.

She was a national treasure -- and, as she was a native Philadelphian, we locals share a special bond with the great lady. But Anderson (who died in 1993 at the age of 94) retired from performance nearly 40 years ago. Those who saw her will never forget it. But how can we preserve the legacy for a younger generation?

Happily, the Arden helps out with My Lord, What a Morning. The show is intended for audiences of all ages, and it will familiarize a new generation with Anderson's life and career. And how nice that at the helm of My Lord (the title of one of Anderson's favorite spirituals, and also of her autobiography) are two women who are also prominent in Philadelphia -- actress Millicent Sparks, and director Jennifer Childs.

Through May 5, Arden Theatre, 40 N. Second St., 215-922-1122, www.ardentheatre.org.

÷David Anthony Fox

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April 11, 2002
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