Brief synopsis
Josephine B. tells the story of the world’s most famous revue star: Josephine Baker.
Who hasn’t seen the dance in the spicy banana dress, that major Parisian breakthrough for the American-born star? And then things happen fast. Lighting fast. After her début on Broadway in the early ’20s, Josephine goes on to become the first black ‘superstar’.
She enchants not only the public, but a whole string of men. She joins the French Resistance as a spy. And she lends her name and fame to the fight against racial discrimination. It turns out that Josephine Baker is a whole lot more than a singer shrouded in feathers.
A revue star doesn’t get their own musical. They get their own revue. A spectacular, humorous, moving, surprising, dazzling revue about her turbulent life.
Creatives
| Direction and choreography: | Martin Michel |
| Script: | Frank Van Laecke |
| Script and lyrics: | Allard Blom |
| Music: | Sam Verhoeven |
| Scenery and costumes: | Arno Bremers |
| Arrangements (2013): | Pol Vanfleteren |
| Arrangements (2022): | Thomas Vanhauwart |
| Musical direction: | Thomas Vanhauwaert |
| Lighting: | Benjamin De Maere (Showdesign) |
| Sound: | Philippe Peirsman (Twin4u) |
| Assistant direction and choreography: | Tim Van der Straeten |
Productions
Belgium
The original version of “Josephine B.” premiered at the Fakkeltheater in Antwerp in February 2013, starring Leki and Jan Schepens, among others.
The reworked version of “Josephine B.” starring Sandrine, premiered on 6 October 2022, also in the Red Hall of the Fakkeltheater. Afterwards, the production made another short tour of Flanders.
Netherlands
The Dutch version of ‘Josephine B.’ premiered on 16 February 2025 in the Oude Luxor Theatre in Rotterdam. Channah Hewitt plays the title role. The production was enthusiastically received and played more than 80 performances.
