The Fates of 6 Divas Hang on ‘Sista’s’ Getting More Polish

The program identifies “Sang Sista’ Sang,” at the Vision Theatre, as a “Broadway hit musical.” This is excessively optimistic. Broadway hit musicals usually don’t begin their opening night performances 40 minutes late--with no explanation offered--in front of a half-filled house.

Because one of the writers is Smokey Robinson, the ambition might not be completely off-base. But this show, which was staged in a different version at El Rey Theatre in 1993, needs a lot of additional work.

Begin with the book, credited to Mickey Stevenson and Robinson. Six legendary singers gather in a way station after death. First up is Bessie Smith (Patricia Hodges), followed by Billie Holiday (Sybil Harris), Dinah Washington (Avis Nixon), Dorothy Dandridge (Sanetta Gibson), Josephine Baker (Licia Shear) and Mahalia Jackson (Deb Jones).

Eventually we learn that their eternal fates are on the line. This sounds momentous, but it’s forgotten during much of the show. Each newcomer quickly absorbs the shock of learning where she is--and then performs mostly upbeat numbers that have little to do with her purported predicament. The only ongoing conflict is Washington’s nagging question about whether it’s better to be an “empress” or a “queen” of the blues.

The show suddenly gets serious near the end, with three self-justifying woe-is-me monologues in a row. It’s too much, too late. Predictably, the bad feelings then become good ones, as the women form a sisterhood that will help them face their fates. The nature of those fates remains vague.

So do other elements of the show, directed by Lonny Stevens with musical staging by Ka-Ron Lehman. “Danseurs” (or so says the program) emerge for dance numbers that seem divorced from the central concept. Although the costumes look sharp, the set is bare-bones and nondescript.

The music fares better, despite a temperamental sound system. These actresses certainly can sing. The score has its high points, but it’s often closer to the Smokey Robinson sound than it is to the music associated with these divas. This especially afflicts Bessie Smith, who’s onstage the longest yet never cuts loose in her signature style. A few of the others do sing samples of their actual hits (with no program credit to the composers), but it’s very arbitrary: The book seldom tries to justify the selection of any particular song over another.

* “Sang Sista’ Sang,” Vision Theatre, 3341 W. 43rd Place, Leimert Park. Thursdays through Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 3 p.m. Ends Nov. 30. $20 to $25. (818) 888-6870, (213) 480-3232. Running time: 3 hours.