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Survival began with a song
The story of legendary blues performer, Bessie Smith, who rose to fame during the 1920s and '30s.
132 Cast Members
Queen Latifah
Bessie Smith
Kamryn Johnson
Young Bessie
Rikki McKinney
Chorus Guy
Alan T. Coleman
Stagehand
Tory Kittles
Clarence
Clay Chappell
'81' Theatre Owner
Tika Sumpter
Lucille
Sharan C. Mansfield
Miss Taylor
Neko Parham
Rehearsal Director
Onira Tarés
Chorus Girl
Jhoni Davis
Chorus Girl
Jim R. Coleman
Host
Melissa Youngblood
Theatergoer
Mo'Nique
Ma Rainey
Jennifer Sears
Ma's Main Girl
Charles S. Dutton
William 'Pa' Rainey
Briana Starks
Ma's Dancer
Todd Allen Durkin
Nightclub Manager
Crystal Lee Brown
Bessie's Dancer
Hunter Womack
Roadie
