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Dinah Was (Dramatization)

By: Oliver Goldstick
Narrated by: Yvette Freeman
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Publisher's summary

In a white fur coat, "The Queen of the Blues" sits on her luggage outside a Las Vegas hotel. It is 1959; the legendary star cannot enter the hotel without a white escort. So Dinah Washington, in her inimitable style, takes a long pull from her flask and starts kicking up a fuss. Yvette Freeman reprises her Obie award-winning performance in this passionate play that reminds us "What a Difference a Day Makes". Features songs made famous by Dinah Washington and performed in the play by Yvette Freeman.
(P)2004 L.A. Theatre Works
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Editorial reviews

Singer Dinah Washington battles with a Las Vegas hotel where she can headline but not get a room, while scenes from her life play through her mind, interspersed with musical numbers. Hers is the many-times-married rough-and-tumble life of a strong, selfish diva bedeviled by her family, her own failings and addictions, and the ugliness of racism. A (somewhat unconvincing) epiphany lets her see how to do the show without selling out. The cast, mostly playing multiple roles, is sometimes stagy, but still effective, especially Yvette Freeman, who rightly does not try to imitate Washington's singing, except in its intensity.

Critic reviews

"Freeman is excellent as Washington...a whirlwind, lustily sucking up huge gulps of life." (The New York Times)

What listeners say about Dinah Was (Dramatization)

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    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant!

Yvette Freeman IS Dinah Washington. Her story is a remarkable one that is also the story of an era in America where talent was valued but your race ruled your destiny. Anyone who loves jazz or who is a student of American cultural history should take a listen. If you have never seen the performance on stage, this is the next best thing. Ms. Freeman takes you there.

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2 people found this helpful