*Los Angeles’ own Sheldon Epps, who made his directorial debut with the musical revue, “Blues in the Night” is reuniting, for the first time in over a decade, with the project that launched his illustrious career. “Blues in the Night” has been performed on Broadway as well as in London; however, in a phone interview, Mr. Epps shared it has been over 10 years since he last directed the musical. When asked why he decided to bring the revue back, he explained it was not his idea, but the idea of the Wallis Theater’s Artistic Director Paul Crewes.
“Although it was not my idea, I had no problem embracing the idea,” admitted the man who has directed over 30 other titles since first getting his start. The lure of bringing the production to an intimate setting, such as the Wallis appealed to Mr. Epps, who by the way is no relation to the other famous Epps.
Opening this Friday, April 27 at the Wallis Theater in Beverly Hills, “Blues in the Night” – which showcases the music of such greats as Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington, Johnny Mercer, Harold Arlen and more – tells of the experiences that three women have with the, “lying, cheating, snake of a man, who represents the men who do them wrong.”
In case you are not familiar with his work, Sheldon Epps has a resume that is both robust and impressive, to say the least. If you have seen episodes of Frasier, Girlfriends, George Lopez or Friends, chances are you have seen an episode he directed. Whether it is conceiving and directing stage plays such as “Play On,” “Purlie,” “Blues in the Night” or the many television shows he has directed, the humble, down to earth well-spoken Carnegie Mellon graduate has had a very successful career, including spending nearly 20 years as the artistic director of the Pasadena Playhouse, where he is credited as having turned the venue around.
“I enjoy both television and theater, for different reasons,” was the response when asked which he prefers directing. Mr. Epps continued, “You have more time to prepare in the theater. You have two weeks; television is faster.
Mr. Epps, who was once quoted as saying, “It’s all about the quality of productions. It may not be your taste, but the quality will not be questioned,” explained the productions at the Pasadena Playhouse were varied but all were well produced and performed.
When I asked Mr. Epps about his legacy and how he would like to be remembered, after reassuring him that I didn’t have the inside track on his future, he shared he wants to be remembered as someone who, “loved his work, had passion and took pride in what he did.”
Sheldon Epps would like you readers to know he appreciates you and the support you give to the theater. I would like Sheldon Epps to know I really enjoyed our chat and am very much looking forward to seeing “Blues in the Night” and hearing each of the 26 songs that will be performed. If you live in Southern California, or you’ll be here fron April 27-May 20, make your way to the Wallis Theater and do not miss the play that launched Sheldon Epps’ directorial career.
Fore more info on “Blues in the Night” at the Wallis Theater, click here: https://www.thewallis.org/blues
Marilyn Smith is a Los Angeles based writer/reviewer. Contact her via [email protected].
