Dennis Courtney will direct and choreograph Larry Parr's solo play that stars Pinkins (Caroline, or Change; Jelly's Last Jam; The Wild Party) as the late Academy Award-nominated blues and jazz vocalist known for such songs as "Supper Time" and her performance on Broadway in Member of the Wedding.

Ethel Waters: His Eye Is On the Sparrow has musical direction and arrangements by Barry Levitt. Michael and Barbara Ross produce the limited run that will play through Sept. 2.

Parr's play focuses on the Chester-born, Philadelphia-raised Waters, who overcame poverty to become a Broadway and Hollywood star noted for appearances in The Member of the Wedding, Cabin in the Sky, At Home Abroad and As Thousands Cheer. Her signature songs include "Stormy Weather" (also a Lena Horne standard), "Takin' a Chance on Love" and "Black and Blue," among others.

The play with music received its world premiere in 2005 at the Florida Studio Theatre in Sarasota. The play borrows its name from the title of Waters' autobiography.

For tickets visit LunaStage.

Luna Stage is located at 555 Valley Road in West Orange NJ.