Featuring a culturally diverse cast, “Pearl's in the House” is a lively, research-based musical play that explores the unparalleled accomplishments of entertainer Pearl Bailey. Written and directed by Art Manke, “Pearl's in the House” highlights the resiliency and strength of an African American performer who was accepted by audiences of all backgrounds as one of their own.

Watching Ms. Bailey perform at an early age, Manke was impressed not only by her musical gifts, but by the down to earth way in which she presented aspects of her life. Among her accounts was of visiting “the House" to meet and perform for the resident, and she had the opportunity to take the stage before heads of state over several decades, from Dwight Eisenhower to George H. Bush.

Art Manke began developing the play from personal passion, and with the support and perspective of noteworthy African American theater producer Sheldon Epps. Reading an early draft, Epps provided crucial encouragement and opined that “Pearl Bailey is, of course, completely worthy of celebration.”

With “Pearl's in the House” having been written, revised, and acted under the auspices of the Ten Chimneys Foundation, it also benefited from Pasadena Playhouse workshops that informed the play’s development. Denver Center Theatre Company producing artistic director Kent Thompson was particularly impressed, noting that one compelling aspect was the way in which it revealed the price Bailey paid for her celebrity, at a time when cultural diversity was not widely embraced.