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Theatre
Perception
Consortium.
Theatre
Perception
Consortium
Copyright Warrens Eye Ball Design May 2008
for TPC Productions
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“HOWLIN BLUES AND DIRTY DOGS”
(The Life of Big Mama Thornton)
Theatre Perception Consortium
presents
“Howlin Blues and Dirty Dogs”
A tribute to Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton who was the first to record “Ain’t Nothin But A Hound Dog” and “Ball & Chain” which also became huge hits for the late greats Elvis Presley and Janis Joplin. Willie Mae, one of the few female Blues artists of her time was a staple in juke joints early in her career, and eventually her travels extended throughout the south, east and west coasts. She was not only a giant in stature, but her work among men as one of the worlds’ greatest Blues artists eventually catapulted her to the top of the Blues industry. Although her life was bittersweet, and her fame and fortune small and short-lived, her genius in this genre of music is worthy to be recognized and remembered. She began her career in the 1940’s at the age of fourteen and it spanned over four decades, yet, for all of her gallant effort, her talent was nearly always overshadowed, and she never really gained the notoriety nor wealth that she truly deserved. There have been numerous accountings of her life and the pitfalls she encountered, however, none can rival this staged depiction, as the Consortium has captured the true essence of this great legend in all of her simple splendor. This magnificent piece of literature uncovers how illiteracy and poverty fueled her failures, and helped to propel her into substance abuse, leading her into a struggle with heart disease and diabetes ultimately causing her demise. And as the audience is taken on an exciting journey throughout Big Mama’s lifetime, many of the “dirty dogs” that she encountered and fell prey too along the way are cleverly unmasked. “Howlin Blues and Dirty Dogs” re-creates this life and the magic that Big Mama Thornton created as she wailed her magnificent Blues for audiences throughout the U.S. and abroad. Inevitably, it was her own Blues that lead her to live a tormented life and to die alone. It was not until after her death, that this battle scarred woman received a crown of success and was recognized as one of the greatest Blues singers that ever lived with an induction into the Blues Hall of Fame. Outstanding Blues music of that era is revived in all of its glory in “Howlin Blues and Dirty Dogs”, as you take a close look into the personal life, trials and tribulations of this exceptional musical trailblazer. This piece reminds us, as well as history, of the sacrifices that some have made, and of the reward and recognition that is easily overlooked, never received, and/or forgotten due to the abandonment of many of the most talented musicians and singers of our time, such as, the legendary,
Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton.”
