Paradise Blue
by Dominique Morisseau

Paradise Blue Book Cover
Paradise Blue Cover

Highlights

120 mins 1940s/WWII Role(s) for Black Actor(s) Unit Set/Multiple Settings Period Costumes

Synopsis

Blue, a gifted trumpeter, contemplates selling his once-vibrant jazz club in Detroit’s Blackbottom neighborhood to shake free the demons of his past and better his life.

But where does that leave his devoted Pumpkin, who has dreams of her own?

And what does it mean for the club’s resident bebop band?

When a mysterious woman with a walk that drives men mad comes to town with her own plans, everyone’s world is turned upside down.

This dynamic and musically-infused drama shines light on the challenges of building a better future on the foundation of what our predecessors have left us.

Press Reviews

"A juicy and resonant piece of writing, filled to the brim with complex, empathetic characters struggling and infighting as part of a community living under extreme duress. It is not hard to become involved with their choices and worry about their futures."

— Chicago Tribune

Characters

Character
Blue

Black man. Mid -Late 30’s to early 40’s. Handsome. Mysterious. Sexy. Quiet danger. Aloof. A hard shell and a hard interior. Battling many demons. A gifted trumpeteer.

Corn

(aka Cornelius) Black man. Late 40’s to Early 50’s. Slightly chubby. Easygoing and Thoughtful. A real sweetheart with a weakness for love. The pianoman.

P-Sam

(aka Percussion Sam) Black man. Mid/ Late 30’s. Busybody. Sweet-talker. Hustler. Always eager for his next gig. The percussionist.

Silver

Black woman. Late 30’s to Early 40’s. Mysterious. Sexy. Charming. Spicy woman. Gritty and raw in a way that men find irresistible. Has a meeeeaaaannnn walk.

Pumpkin

Black woman. Late 20’s/Early 30’s. Pretty in a plain way. Simple. Sweet. Waitress, cook and caretaker of Paradise Club. A loving thing with a soft touch. Adores poetry.

Publication

Publisher Samuel French
ISBN-13 9780573705151
ISBN-10 0573705151

Paradise Blue is a play written by Dominique Morisseau and published by Samuel French .

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Rating

4.0

153 ratings · 277 reviews

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Performance Rights

Available for Licensing
Amateur Only
Fee: Minimum Fee: $130 per performance
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