Josephine B

11 Mar

The story.

Josephine B. tells the story of the world's most famous revue star: Josephine Baker.

Who does not know the dance in the spicy banana skirt, the big break in Paris for the originally American? After that it goes fast. Lightning fast. In the early 1920s, Josephine made her debut on Broadway to become the first black "superstar.

She winds not only the public around her finger, but also a whole series of men. As a spy, she joins the French Resistance. Equally, she uses her name and fame in the fight against racial discrimination. Josephine Baker turns out to be more, so much more than a singer cloaked in feathers.

You don't give a revue star her own musical. You give a revue star her own revue. A dazzling, humorous, moving, surprising, swirling revue about her own turbulent life.

Creative info.

Direction & choreography: Martin Michel
Script: Frank Van Laecke
Script & lyrics: Allard Blom
Music: Sam Verhoeven
Decor & costumes: Arno Bremers
Arrangements & MD: Thomas Vanhauwaert
Lighting: Benjamin De Maere (Showdesign)
Sound: Philippe Peirsman (Twin4u)
Assistant director & choreography: Tim Van der Straeten
Josephine Baker
Jo Bouillon
Pepito Abatino
Paul Cilon
Martin Luther King
Walter Winchell
Jacques Abtey
Ensemble
Ensemble
Piano
E-Bass/Bass
Percussion
Trumpet
Clarinet/hobo 1
Clarinet/hobo 2
Backing tracks with violins available

Press.

Bekendvlaanderen.be, Sammy Van Hoyweghen, 7 oktober 2022:
"With the performance "Josephine B. ONE LIFE IN REVUE" the producer showed how to end in style with a true apotheosis. The audience was correspondingly delighted and gave the entire team and actors a standing ovation."

Explosief.wordpress.com, 7 oktober 2022:
"Everything was perfect down to the last detail. [...] It is a sparkling, surprising and turbulent revue in which we learn more about the turbulent life of this strong, charismatic and intriguing woman with a laugh and a tear. Josephine compares herself to a cat who also has nine lives and always ends up with her paws on the ground. And yet she hasn't lied a word.

Theaterparadijs.nl, Robin Peeters, 7 oktober 2022:
"Josephine B. is both brilliant and relevant ... a fantastic mix of revue and musical with Sandrine Van Handenhoven at its heart. [...] "La Baker" is phenomenally performed by Sandrine Van Handenhoven, who not only exudes all the power and star quality, but can also be extremely vulnerable. The mix of musical and revue is a golden find. It creates momentum, sufficient lightness and lushness in the design."

Musicalvibes.net, 7 oktober 2022:
JOSEPHINE B - A LIFE IN REVUE premieres successfully! "You don't give a revue star her own musical. You give a revue star her own revue. A whirlwind, humorous, moving and surprising revue about her own turbulent life."