Pearl's in The House

A musical play written, developed, and directed by Art Manke, “Pearl’s in the House” examines the life of legendary African American performer Pearl Bailey. “Pearl’s in the House” takes the form of a fictitious interview with the performer interwoven with her most notable songs, delving into the cultural and artistic significance of Bailey’s career as a dynamic Broadway actress and frequent performer at the White House. By the end of her career, she had authored six books and earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and President Nixon appointed her as the United States’ “Ambassador of Love.”

“Pearl’s in the House” was developed at the Pasadena Playhouse in California, and later workshopped at the esteemed Ten Chimneys Foundation outside of Milwaukee, which preserves the estate of lauded theater performers Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne. In developing the play, Manke undertook exhaustive research into Bailey’s life, including conducting dozens of interviews and studying footage of her performances on Broadway, in film and television, and in the White House.