Details

Written in 1957, Simply Heavenly was born out of a series of short stories featuring Jess B Semple's bar room philosophy on life, love and the pursuit of the easy way. An offbeat Harlem everyman living in a rapidly changing America, Simple became Hughes's most enduring character expressing the everyday victories of an ordinary hero. Simply Heavenly first ran on Broadway in 1957, giving a voice through humour and song to the African American experience. With gentle satire, insightful ramblings and street-wise humour Hughes chronicled the hopes and despair of black America.

Cast/Performers

Clive Rowe (Melon), Ruby Turner (Miss Mamie), Kenny Andrews, Allyson Brown, Gerod Harris, Dawn Hope, Nicola Hughes, Melanie Marshall, Christopher Colquhoun (Jesse B Semple), Dale Superville, Christopher Colquhoun (Semple)

Creatives/Company

Author: Langston Hughes
Lyrics: Langston Hughes
Music: David Martin
Producer(s): Ambassador Theatre Group, Broadway Partners, Incidental Colman
Director(s): Josette Bushell-Mingo, Warren Wills (music)
Design: Rob Howell
Lighting: Paul Anderson
Sound: Nick Lidster
Choreographer: Paul J Medford