Pullman Porter Blues is a 2012 play written by Cheryl West. Set in 1937, during the Great Depression, the play shows the story of the Pullman porters on a train ride aboard the Panama Limited from Chicago to New Orleans.
Locations performed Arena Stage Kreeger Theater in Washington, D.C. Goodman Theatre in Chicago
Cast Grandfather Monroe - Larry Marshall Cephas - Warner Miller or Tosin Morohunfola Sylvester - Cleavant Derricks Train conductor Tex Lutie the stowaway
Music Hezekiah’s Song This Train Sweet Home Chicago Wild Women Don't Have the Blues Panama Limited Chant Panama Limited Blues 900 Miles Joe Louis Blues Hop Scop Blues That Lonesome Train Took My Baby Away Trouble in Mind Grievin’ Hearted Blues Hezekiah’s Song (Reprise)
Reception Variety reviewer Paul Harris wrote: "Despite its flaws, "Pullman Porter Blues" offers delightful moments and earns kudos for attitude." The Chicago Readers Justin Hayford was critical of the play's "repetitive scenes," while the Chicago Tribunes Chris Jones found the production to be "a good 15 minutes too long" but was nonetheless entertained.
See also 10,000 Black Men Named George, 2002 film.
References
External links Interview with playwright Cheryl West and actor Larry Marshall on St. Louis Public Radio KWMU-1