Champeen was a 1983 musical by Melvin Van Peebles. It looked at the careers of Bessie Smith and Joe Louis, and had a cast of 18.[1] It won 7 awards at the 11th Audelco Recognition Awards for black theater, including best actress, best choreography, and best director.[2] Although it covered Bessie Smith's life, it was not a biographical play.[3] The New York Times reviewed it positively, although it was stated that Miss Reaves-Phillips was not given enough singing time.[4]

References edit

  1. ^ New York Magazine. 1983-04-11. p. 110. Retrieved 2012-11-18 – via Internet Archive. champeen melvin van peebles.
  2. ^ "Jet - Google Books". Johnson Publishing Company. 1984-01-23. Retrieved 2012-11-18.
  3. ^ Cooper, Carol (2006). Pop Culture Considered as an Uphill Bicycle Race: Selected Critical Essays ... - Carol Cooper - Google Books. ISBN 9780978890803. Retrieved 2012-11-18.
  4. ^ Gussow, Mel (1983-04-10). "THEATER:'CHAMPEEEN!' CELEBRATES BESSIE SMITH". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-03-28.