No Fear and Blues Long Gone: Nina Simone is not a jukebox musical nor is it a revue. Howard L. Craft’s script is a play with music that steers clear from disingenuous bio-musical conventions.
RDU On Stage – Lauren Van Hemert
In Howard L. Craft’s 90-minute, one-woman show, No Fear and Blues Long Gone: Nina Simone, the world meets Nina when she returns to earth to address certain events in her life, answer questions and leaves her audience with a unique perspective on dealing with fear and current events in our world today.
The show stars equity actor and national recording artist Yolanda Rabun, as Simone who, with the help of the audience, contemplates why Nina Simone risked everything to break through barriers becoming an icon of the Civil Rights era.
Between the songs, Craft’s sensitive script crisply touches on formative biographical details.
Indy Week – Byron Woods
No Fear and Blues Long Gone: Nina Simone incorporates licensed Nina Simone made classic hits including “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood”, “I Wish I Knew How it Would Feel to Be Free”, “Feeling Good” and “Mississippi Goddam”. The play is an electrifying and interactive experience for all ages with a moving call to action from Simone who sacrificed everything for love, life, and her music.
It’s a must-see play. If it comes to your city, see it. Yolanda Rabun definitely channeled Nina Simone.
Larry Reni Thomas, Veteran Jazz Writer and Jazz Musicologist
Having enjoyed a 6 show sold-out run at Playmaker’s Repertory Company in Chapel, Hill, NC (a LORT theatre) and 2-day engagement at the Seabrook Auditorium in Fayetteville, NC, No Fear and Blues Long Gone: Nina Simone is booking for the 2025/2026 performance seasons.
Show Details
- Age recommendation: 12+ No violence, nudity or sexual content.
- Show length: 90 minutes (no intermission)
- Winner, Outstanding Performance by an Actress (Yolanda Rabun) 2019 – RDU On Stage
Available Upon Request
- Artist and Stage Management Technical Rider
- Show Stage Plot
- Show Light Design Plot
- Show Sound Plot
- Showcase Plot and Technical Rider
