From the hopeless slums of Philadelphia to the heights of fame, from anger towards almost everyone to a love for all mankind, Ethel Waters lived it all. Now her life takes center stage. From a childhood as a thief and unwilling bride, she became a Vaudeville success, a recording sensation and a Broadway and Hollywood star. Then a reputation for being difficult and her own distrust made her a recluse until she found a purpose beyond herself as a performer with the Billy Graham Crusades. Through it all, there were the songs, the ones that gave her strength and the ones that made her a legend. This is her incredible story, filled with the greatest hits of a lifetime, including “Stormy Weather” and “Am I Blue?”
For millions who watched the Billy Graham Crusades, the name Ethel Waters is familiar as one of Graham’s most faithful comrades, a woman so close to Graham that she called him her son. “His Eye is on the Sparrow,” sung in her throaty contralto, became the African-American singer’s theme and as much defined her as did George Beverly Shea’s “How Great Thou Art.” Her beatific smile and powerful stage presence established her as a woman who was close to God.
But as Triad Stage’s Ethel Waters: His Eye is on the Sparrow shows us, Ethel Waters’ life was far more complex than the TV/gospel image. Ethel Waters, directed by Donna Baldwin-Bradby, shows us that complex life. And it’s a production that will entertain you, enlighten you, and inspire you.
If life's a stage, Cassandra Lowe Williams deserves a Tony Award. She has been many things to many people -- a mother, teacher, minister, actress, director and friend. And now she's poised to take on yet another role as the legendary Ethel Waters in the upcoming Triad Stage production "Ethel Waters: His Eye Is on the Sparrow" written by Larry Parr.