DAYTON — Larry Parr’s one-woman show “Ethel Waters: His Eye Is on the Sparrow” is the story of a singer and actress who broke new ground for black performers in the 1920s, ’30s and beyond.
The real story at The Loft Theatre on Wednesday, June 17, where it’s being produced by The Human Race Theatre, was Broadway veteran Danielle Lee Greaves, who plays Ethel through 14 songs and two acts of dialogue. This may be Ethel’s life, but it’s Greaves’ show.
Under Dayton native Schele Williams’ direction, Greaves smoothed over the gaps in the narrative. She flowed from milestone to milestone, exploiting well-chosen touchstone songs at crucial moments in Waters’ humble upbringing, early struggles, coming of age, blossoming career as a nightclub, stage and screen performer, lost love, career doldrums and eventual acceptance of singing for God.
Greaves delivered “Frankie and Johnny,” “Sweet Georgia Brown,” “This Joint Is Jumpin’,” “Am I Blue?,” “Stormy Weather” and others so well that the story became her while she was singing.
Waters’ faith is an undercurrent, although not a heavy-handed one. Set designer Tamara L. Honesty evokes it in scenery and illuminated images that sometimes give the impression of stained glass.
Named for a spiritual that provided Waters with recurring comfort, “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” isn’t really a one-woman show. It is Greaves’ show. She gives a great performance. That’s the main reason to see it.
“Ethel Waters: His Eye Is On the Sparrow” will continue through June 28 at 126 N. Main St. Tickets are $33 at (937) 228-3630, (888) 228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com.
