Singer-actress Jenkins (Caroline, or Change, The Civil War, The Look of Love) partners with award-winning composer Louis Rosen for the musical evening. In addition to Rosen's 12-song suite set to the words of Maya Angelou, the evening also includes songs from "Dream Suite," set to the words of Langston Hughes, and his "South Side Songs."

Angelou is perhaps best known for her autobiography, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," about a young black girl growing up during the Great Depression.

Rosen said in production notes, "Dr. Angelou's moving poetry transcends the black experience to touch us all. Capathia and I were thrilled and honored when she gave Phenomenal Woman her approval and blessings."

Jenkins' credits also include national and European tours of Dreamgirls, Bubblin' Brown Sugar and Uptown Saturday Night. She is heard on her own CD, "Introducing Capathia."

Composer-lyricist-librettist and author Louis Rosen's works for the theatre include Book of the Night (music and co-libretto), A Child's Garden (music and co-libretto) and the up-coming The Pearl (music), adapted from a novella by John Steinbeck. His musical scores for plays have been heard on and Off-Broadway at Lincoln Center, Roundabout, Circle in the Square (Broadway), The Public and at the Delacorte in Central Park, as well as at major regional theatres around the country.

Louis Rosen and Capathia Jenkins will be joined by pianist David Loud at Joe's Pub at The Public Theater, 425 Lafayette Street. Showtime is 7 PM March 20 and 27. There is a $20 cover with a two drink minimum. For reservations call (212) 239-6200 or visit www.joespub.com.