'Queenie Pie' bursts with flavor

While most of us could name Oprah Winfrey as the first black billionaire, few of us could name the first black millionaire. That honor goes to Madame C. J. Walker, who did it a century ago with a line of hair-care products for black women. Born Sarah Breedlove in Delta, Louisiana, Walker was the first member of her family born free in 1867. By 1910, Walker provided meaningful employment for over 3,000 black women, who made and marketed her cosmetics. For Walker, it wasn't about the money: her aim was to provide economic opportunity for black people. When she died in 1919, she left over one million dollars to black educational institutes and charities. The year that Walker died was also a pivotal year for Edward Kennedy (Duke) Ellington. He was painting signs by day and playing jazz at night and decided to form his first band "Duke's Serenaders." The group played around his hometown of Washington, D. C. at Embassy parties and society balls. When the roarin' 20's came in, Ellington went to New York City and joined the Harlem Renaissance. The rest, as they say,is history. What is less known about Ellington is that he worked for years on an opera to commemorate the life of C. J. Walker. Entitled "Queenie Pie" it is finally being performed by the Oakland Opera Theater. Under the artistic direction of Tom Dean and musical direction of Dierdre McClure, "Queenie Pie" was choreographed by Michael Mohammed and written by Tommy Shepherd. At the time of Ellington's death, "Queenie Pie" was incomplete. To round out this production, the 25-piece Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra incorporates two well know Ellington compositions: "Creole Love Call" and "On a Turquoise Cloud."   In the role of Queenie Pie is Amanda King, who brings years of stage experience and an uncommon credability to the role. She has to defend her title as "Miss Queenie Pie" taking on all challengers. And, to any woman who gets in her way, she launches a blistering verbal assault. Along comes an equally intimidating chanteuse, Cafe Olay (Kathleen Antonia) and the stage is set for a true battle-royal. "Queenie Pie" has a large cast with as many as 20 singers and dancers on stage at once. The opening scene takes place in a Harlem street circa 1925 showing the frantic activity of the time. Then we go to the Beauty Parlor and meet the locals. The stand-out in these scenes are vocals by Lil' Daddy (Noah Griffin).  Act II gets a bit more exotic with a cruise on board Queenie's yacht and a visit to a tropical island. The show-stopper is provided by the island witch doctor (Chauncey Roberts) who channels Little Richard with an explosive version of "Let the Good Times Rock."   Amid all the obvious talent, "Queenie Pie" does have room for technical improvement. Annoying feedback from poorly placed microphones marred the sound. Also, TV monitors showing cosmetic commercials were poorly placed for viewing by the audience. One monitor was located behind the off-stage chorus singers and, consequently, was blocked to the audience view. Another monitor was placed too far from the stage and people in the first five rows were unable to see it.  As with past Oakland Opera Theater productions, this one was rough in places but also sparkles in others. Kind of like Oakland itself. The Oakland Opera Theater is located at 630 3rd Street and "Queenie Pie" plays through May 25th. Phone (510) 763 1146 or visit www.oaklandopera.org for details.