 Saturday, May 23, 2009
Indio Performing Arts Center
Indio, California
Story by Mika Young
Photos by John Garber
To see more John Garber photos of this event, click here.
On Saturday, May 23, 2009, crowds made their way out to the Indio Performing Arts Center (IPAC) to experience the previously three-time NAACP-Award nominated “My Name is Eartha, But You Can Call Me Miss Kitty” starring Suzanne Nichols. Old and young, black and white, gay, straight and undisclosed were instantly united through the exchange of one great Eartha Kitt story for another as they eagerly awaited the show to begin. An elegant and hilarious apology for temporary technical difficulties by IPAC Director David Clinton Reid proved to be a delightful and unconventional segue into a powerful presentation.
 The lights dimmed and the curtains opened with actress/singer Nichols bearing an almost supernatural resemblance to the legend as she delivered an Eartha-esque interpretation of the song “Independent” from the 1956 Broadway Show, “Bells are Ringing.” Writer/director Sharon L. Graine’s choice to use a song not particularly associated with Kitt was creatively effective.
“[Eartha] wasn’t just a sex symbol but a woman who endured racism inside her family to the point that she had to flee for safety," Graine related. "Once I read about her journey to greatness I realized that here is where her story lies.”
 Nichols held the audience captive as she transitioned gracefully from scene to scene in Act One using microwave-speed wardrobe adjustments, staging and lighting to paint a moving picture of Kitt’s painful upbringing and relentless life pursuit of acceptance and unconditional love. A brief intermission prepared the crowd for what would be an invigorating international tour featuring more dynamic performances with gorgeous wardrobe and set changes amid a backdrop of Kitt’s progressively dramatic episodes of rejection and triumph. The show ended with most of the audience on their feet.
 “An excellent performance by Suzanne Nichols and an accurate depiction of the life of Eartha Kitt," shared one attendee, Roger Dash, Ed.D., of Palm Desert.
Retired music educator, Judith Carraway of La Quinta also added, “Suzanne Nichols’ one woman show of the life and times of Eartha was brilliant.”
IPAC Co-Founder and Producer Irwin Rubinsky first experienced Nichols’ stunning portrayal of Eartha Kitt more than a year ago in Los Angeles. With the passing of the legend, Irwin moved as quickly as he could to expose his patrons to what he could barely describe in words regarding Nichols: “She is Eartha.”
I had a chance to catch up with the beautiful and talented Nichols before the show and she shared what she hoped her audience would walk away knowing about Eartha Kitt.
“[Eartha] was a strong woman, an innovator. Someone who didn't give up, no matter how difficult things became, no matter how much she may have wanted to. I believe that she was the original Madonna because she had to recreate herself several times throughout her career and was successful each time,” related Nichols.
If the real Miss Kitty could have charmed her way out of heaven to give her impression of Nichols’ portrayal, no doubt she would have found it to be purr-fect.
 Nichols is a member of Playhouse Theatre Players whose aim is to provide quality edu-tainment by uncovering the real stories of historical figures. Suzanne has portrayed icons such as Dorothy Dandridge and Josephine Baker among others. In addition to acting, Suzanne is also an accomplished singer and songwriter.
To see more John Garber photos of this event, click here.
To learn more about the Indio Performing Arts Center, click here.
To learn more about Playhouse Theatre Players/Suzanne Nichols/Sharon L. Graine, click here.
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