- Eartha Kitt and the cast of the Broadway musical “Timbuktu!” are simply stunning
This was me comin’ into work today. But seriously, this is a special post for all our Eartha Kitt fans and musical theatre lovers!
This is a video performance of Eartha Kitt and the cast of the Broadway musical “Timbuktu!” performing the incredible entrance and opening song “In the Beginning Woman” on a live 1978 Labor Day Telethon for Muscular Dystrophy, hosted by Jerry Lewis. The number was staged by Geoffrey Holder who also designed the costumes. Obba Babatunde was also in the chorus.

Now, if you ain’t familiar with Obba Babatundé then here’s a little history: He’s an American actor, producer, director and singer. A native of Queens, New York City, he appeared in more than seventeen stage productions, thirty theatrical films, sixty made-for-television movies, and two prime-time series. Google his name and you’ll see!!


But Eartha Kitt had this commanding presence that is undeniable! Love me some Eartha Kitt. She was simultaneously regal and poised yet free at the same time. And did y’all know that she received the first of her two Tony Award nominations from her Timbuktu! performance? Mmmhmm she sure did! Annnnnd she was also an activist for human rights!
Please do yourself a favor and explore the world of Eartha Kitt because she contributed so much to our culture and the advancement of the arts and social justice.
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