The Warner Theatre came alive on Saturday as Dennis Williams’ “I’ve Cried the Blues” made its long-awaited premiere. Set in 1945 Little Rock, Arkansas, the musical follows Mattie, a young Black woman striving for freedom amid segregation. Her story is carried by the sounds of blues, jazz and gospel.
The production stars Grammy-nominated vocalist and actress Karen Linette as Mattie, whose powerhouse vocals and emotional subtlety ground the performance. Linette, known for commanding jazz and soul stages nationwide, delivers a portrayal that is both restrained and stirring — anchoring the show with a sense of grace and defiance.
Guest star Candiace Dillard Bassett, singer, actress and Howard University alumnus, graduated in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Broadcast Journalism, later earning her MBA in 2022.
Known for Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Potomac,” Bassett appeared as Miss Lilly in a pivotal scene. Her cameo added star power to the production and attracted attention from fans of her television career, extending the show’s appeal beyond traditional theater audiences.
Bassett credited Howard with instilling her with a sense of purpose, excellence and confidence. She described being surrounded by a community of brilliant changemakers, which shaped how she carried herself.
“Howard gave me my foundation. It taught me that excellence is the standard and that my voice matters. It infused me with the confidence to walk in rooms fully formed,” Basset said.
That foundation shaped not only her career but also her approach to new roles. Bassett described stepping into the role of Lilly in “I’ve Cried the Blues” as a deeply personal experience, one that resonated with her on both an emotional and spiritual level.
“I play a woman whose pain, pride and resilience are layered with the kind of quiet power that so many Black women carry… It was a ‘yes’ from my spirit before I could even say it out loud,” she said.
Executive Producer Dennis Williams, a Howard alumnus of 2008, served as playwright, executive producer, director and songwriter. Through his company, Legendary Studio Shows, Williams has developed a reputation for storytelling that blends social commentary with musical innovation.
His earlier works, including “Forgiving BUT NOT Forgetting,” which premiered in 2015 at the Howard Theatre, and “Love & Therapy Gone Wrong,” explored generational trauma and redemption through song.
“The blues is not just music — it is a story, a testimony, history and survival. The title speaks to the collective cries of people who have faced unimaginable pain yet found the courage to keep singing, keep moving, keep loving,” Williams said.
He explained that the production itself reflects this resilience, showing how the story emphasizes survival, community and the strength found in love even under pressure.
“This story embodies that resilience, reminding us that even in sorrow, beauty can emerge. It’s about survival, about finding strength in community and love even when the world is determined to silence you,” Williams said.
Williams credits his time at Howard with shaping not just his artistry but also his approach to collaboration and storytelling rooted in cultural tradition. Those experiences influenced both the creation of “I’ve Cried the Blues” and his choice to bring fellow Howard alumna Candiace Dillard Bassett into the production.
“Howard was foundational for me. It wasn’t just an education — it was an awakening… Howard taught me that our stories are not only worthy of telling, but they demand to be told on the grandest stages,” he said.
The production built on that foundation, with co-director Victoria Woodbury and choreographer Daryus O’Neil translating the musical’s history and emotion into performance.
Co-director and producer Victoria Woodbury guided the staging and emotional pacing of the premiere. Woodbury, who founded V List Productions and made her stage directorial debut in 2024 with “String of Pearls,” also directed music videos, podcasts and short films.
Daryus O’Neil served as choreographer and producer, designing movement and dance sequences that gave the story a physical dimension. His choreography highlighted Mattie’s challenges and moments of triumph along with her family’s shared resilience.
In supporting roles, Darrel Walls, a four-time Grammy-nominated and six-time Stellar Award-winning member of The Walls Group, appeared as Joe; Jevone Levi as Edward Jr.; Jordan White as Jean; Schelle Purcell as Esther; and Javarde Seay as Douglas.
Music carried the production forward, threading emotion through every scene. The score swelled and softened with the actors’ voices, amplifying moments of grief, defiance and grace that gave the story its power.
As the final notes of the musical resonated through the Warner Theatre, the themes of resilience and hope lingered after the curtain fell. Williams shared the enduring message he hopes audiences carry with them.
“If nothing else, I want every person to walk away knowing that no matter what blues you’ve cried, there is always light on the other side of the struggle,” he said.
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