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10/28/2009
Terri White's Journey from Benches to Broadway
A year ago actress Terri White was homeless, alone, and living in Washington Square Park. Now she's on Broadway in Finian's Rainbow and preparing to have a commitment ceremony with her partner Donna Barnett. The NYT has her amazing story:
"Most of her fellow cast members in 'Finian’s Rainbow' know enough about Ms. White’s trials that when she sings, 'There ought to be a law against necessity,' they sing back, with particular feeling, 'Sister, you’re so right.'"
Posted 12:44 PM EST by Andy Towle in News, Theatre | Permalink
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Great story, special woman...women. And a special police officer too.
Posted by: Derrick from Philly | Oct 28, 2009 12:54:16 PM
Such an inspirational story. Sadly there are many more in a similar position; the newly homeless in this country. I have a feeling a second Tony nod will be around the corner. Congrats to Terri and Donna, and many blessings in the years to come.
Posted by: Joel | Oct 28, 2009 12:56:23 PM
Great article, but there's a bizarre inaccuracy; wonderful as she was in Barnum, White has never been nominated for a Tony. Can't imagine she's responsible, probably something the reporter assumed and printed without confirming (go to tonyawards.com)
Posted by: Ennis Smith | Oct 28, 2009 1:17:10 PM
Great article but there's a stunning inaccuracy. Wonderful as White was in Barnum, she's never been nominated for a Tony. Can't believe she's responsible for this gaffe; no doubt it's the reporter who failed to confirm the info.
Posted by: Ennis Smith | Oct 28, 2009 1:20:30 PM
For some reason, Terri incorrectly lists the Tony nomination on her website.
Posted by: Jeff NYC | Oct 28, 2009 1:22:28 PM
wow, you're right, Jeff. kinda strange, not as if she's fudging a resume credit
Posted by: Ennis Smith | Oct 28, 2009 1:35:03 PM
You would not believe how well she nails the song "Necessity" in Finian's Rainbow. The vibrato in her voice and the richly lived experience that frame her line readings are worth the price of admission alone. You know you're watching something nigh historic.
Finian's Rainbow is going to be a monster hit. You can take that to the bank.
Posted by: elcamino | Oct 28, 2009 2:23:57 PM
I used to hear her sing in the piano bars downtown. She was absolutely amazing. But funny, I remember that they would announce her as a Tony nominee. Is it really not true?
Posted by: Mike | Oct 28, 2009 3:38:40 PM
I too used to go see Terri White back in the 90s on Grove Street. She used to do a great Nell Carter impersonation.
Posted by: Alex | Oct 28, 2009 3:50:09 PM
Terri White took over the Broadway roll vacated by Nell Carter in "Ain't Misbehavin'." There were many fine evenings of entertainment into the wee hours of the morning at Rose's Turn on Grove Street... worth the two hour drive to be entertained by this profound show stopper. I'm thrilled Terri's voice has found fortune on Broadway once again as Dottie in "Finian's Rainbow". This extraordinary entertainer deserves the riches bestowed upon her. Congratulations Terri!
Posted by: ED (The Hamptons) | Nov 17, 2009 1:11:19 AM