Cover image: Jean-Pierre Hadida, Brian Bouillon Baker, Nevedya, and Joseph Cange on stage at the avant-première
© Entrée to Black Paris

After a wonderful début performance run at La Nouvelle Eve in Paris' 9th arrondissement this summer,  Joséphine Baker le musical returns triumphantly to the stage at the Bobino Theater this fall.

In case you're wondering, this is the same Bobino Theater where Josephine gave her last performance forty=seven years ago before suffering a cerebral hemorrhage and dying in a nearby hospital.

Thanks to my participation in the upcoming Canal+ documentary on Josephine, I was invited to attend the avant-première of the show, which took place on October 12. 

Filming at the Bobino Theater for Canal+ documentary
© Entrée to Black Paris

I was delighted by every aspect of the evening.

The theater was packed.  It was heartwarming to see such a magnificent turnout.

Entering the auditorium
© Entrée to Black Paris

Full house
© Entrée to Black Paris

From beginning to end, Nevedya dazzled the audience in her role as Josephine.  She enthusiastically and effectively portrayed Josephine from her childhood in St. Louis to her last shows on the Bobino's stage.

Other members of the cast played multiple roles in fifteen vignettes written and directed by Jean-Pierre Hadida. 

Two of Josephine's sons, Jean-Claude and Brian Bouillon Baker, were in the audience.  Brian Bouillon Baker, who served as the historical consultant on the show, joined the cast, Hadida, producer Francine Disegni, musical director Raphaël Corbin, and choreographer Florie Sourice on stage after a standing ovation of several minutes.  He graciously addressed the audience, acknowledging the outstanding work that went into creating the show. (See cover image.)

Joséphine Baker le musical cast and direction
Image courtesy of Marjory Déjardin

I had the pleasure of being invited backstage to meet the fabulously talented Nevedya,

Monique and Nevedya
Image courtesy of Marjory Déjardin

and met Brian Boulllon Baker as he signed copies of his book, Joséphine, l'Universelle, in the lobby.

Brian Bouillon Baker and Monique
© Entrée to Black Paris

I learned that France's Minister of Culture, Rima Abdul Malak also attended the performance and saw her with Bouillon Baker at the book signing table.

Brian Bouillon Baker and Minister of Culture Rima Abdul Malak
© Entrée to Black Paris

Joséphine Baker le Musical officially opened on Wednesday, October 19., 2022.  Three additional performances are scheduled for November 16, November 30, and December 7, 2022.  For information and to purchase tickets, click HERE.

Bobino Theater
14-20, rue de la Gaîte
75014 Paris
Metro: Gaîte - Joséphine Baker (Line 13), Edgar Quinet (Line 6)