What the Critics Are Saying About Three Sistahs

"Writer-director Thomas W. Jones II doesn't write scenes so much as he creates poetry, riffing on themes in heightened language that eventually blossoms into song. . . William Hubbard's score dabbles in everything from doo-wop to gospel to blues. . . Most of the numbers are torchy, introspective ballads and performed well by Mitchell, whose powerful voice has a sweet edge." - Nelson Pressley, Washington Post

"Three Sistahs is lovelier the second time around at MetroStage with Felicia Curry as a replacement. . . The story by Janet Pryce hits upon universal conflicts in everyone's life. . . Thomas W. Jones II provided emotionally moving lyrics which turn poetic many times. . . One of the few family shows around that is enjoyable and sometimes therapeutic regarding family interactions. It is highly recommended." - Bob Anthony, All Arts Review 4U

"The trio belt out a score of heartfelt gospel/ pop/ blues tunes. . . Staging a floor show, [the Bradshaw girls] grimace, gesticulate and shout out dialogue as they rocket around Jonathan Williamson's [homey] set, acting out childhood memories. The show's quieter moments are its best. . . An enjoyable mixed bag: part urban theater circuit personified by Tyler Perry; and part kitchen-sink drama, reminiscent of Lorraine Hansberry but set to roof-raising music." - Patrick Folliard, Washington Blade

"Mitchell is in fine voice here, and her smooth sense of dignity is impressive. The "sistahs", played by Curry and Fox, sing well and each has a number of solo moments that work very nicely. However, it is when two or more voices are joined together that the score really takes off. . . Erin Nugent's new costume designs seem as specific as to time, place and character as in the original, and her costumes are very good indeed." -Brad Hathaway, Potomac Stages

"The soul-stirring tonality of these three Divas, I mean Sistahs, will set your toes to tapping, your hands to clapping, even tears to flowing while guiding you to rhythms you didn't even know you had. . . Where else can you hear some of the finest voices to grace a stage belt out to the rafters, crest and moan in solo or blend together as one? What these women can do to caress a lyric and jam together in a tribal fusion of gospel, funk and jazz must be seen to be believed. . . Three Sistahs is a fitting tribute to a timeless classic, a reflection of the abundant artistry at MetroStage, and just a damn good time." -Debbie Minter Jackson, DC Theatre Scene

Three Sistahs returns to MetroStage

Producing Artistic Director Carolyn Griffin is pleased to announce that the 2007-8 season at MetroStage will open with the return of Three Sistahs, story by Janet Pryce, book and lyrics by Thomas W. Jones II and music by William Hubbard. MetroStage premiered Three Sistahs in 2002 and it received the Helen Hayes nomination for Outstanding New Musical that year (along with Harlem Rose, another new musical by Thomas W. Jones II and William Hubbard that MetroStage premiered that same year).

Since reopening in 2001, MetroStage has been committed to the original work of Mr. Jones and Mr. Hubbard, and has produced Two Queens One Castle and Bricktop, in addition to Three Sistahs and Harlem Rose. Original “sistahs” Bernardine Mitchell and Crystal Fox return to MetroStage in their roles as Olive and Marsha, respectively, and Felicia Curry, last seen at MetroStage in Two Queens One Castle, will play the role of Irene. Mr. Jones will direct and choreograph and Mr. Hubbard will music direct this production.

In addition to Three Sistahs, Bernardine Mitchell appeared in Mahalia at MetroStage, winning the Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Resident Musical in 2003. She has been seen in the national tour of Beauty and the Beast, and in Crowns in both Atlanta and Canada. She also won the Helen Hayes Award for her role in Blues in the Night at Studio Theatre.

Following Three Sistahs, Crystal Fox was a member of the repertory company at the Oregan Shakespeare Festival for two years. She was also seen in Gem of the Ocean (Seattle Rep) and Flyin’ West in Atlanta and in Washington DC at the Lincoln Theatre. She appeared in Home at Round House Theatre, directed by Mr. Jones, receiving a Helen Hayes nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress.

Felicia Curry, last seen at MetroStage in Two Queens One Castle, received Helen Hayes nominations for both Godspell and Aida at Toby’s Dinner Theatre. She is currently appearing at Imagination Stage in The Araboolies of Liberty Street.

At MetroStage Thomas W. Jones II has directed Starting Here, Starting Now and All Night Strut, in addition to his original work which he did in collaboration with composer/music director, piano/keyboard accompanist and sometimes actor William Hubbard: Harlem Rose, Two Queens One Castle, and Bricktop. Mr. Jones’ work in Washington has received 42 Helen Hayes nominations (including 12 Awards). Mr. Hubbard received a Helen Hayes nomination for Mahalia and won the Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Music Direction for Crowns at Arena Stage.

Designers are Jonathan Williamson, set; Jason Arnold, lights; Erin Nugent, costumes; Steve Beana, sound. Brandon Guilliams is the technical director and Kevin Laughon is production manager and scenic painter. Jessica Winfield is the Equity Stage Manager and Dannielle Hutchinson is Assistant Stage Manager. Roz White, seen at MetroStage in the original Three Sistahs and in Two Queens One Castle, is the understudy.

Three Sistahs is in performance July 26 - September 9, 2007,
Thursday and Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm and Sundays at 3pm and 7pm.
Tickets are $35-40 and can be ordered through boxofficetickets.com or at 800-494-8497.
For group rates and information, call 703-548-9044.
MetroStage offers free parking and is fully accessible.

Press night is Sunday, July 29 at 7 pm.

A sneak peak at Three Sistahs

As we prepare to enter our 7th season with the return engagement of Three Sistahs, I thought I'd give everyone a sneak peak at what the creative team and production staff are planning for the set of this great musical. Take a look....
We are duplicating the design that set designer, Jon Williamson did when this production was performed at the Horizon Theatre in Atlanta, GA during the Summer of 2006. Three Sistahs starred MetroStage's own Bernardine Mitchell & Crystal Fox, accompanied by William Hubbard and it was directed by Thomas W. Jones II.