Abbey Lincoln and I

Here I am, the Monday after Christmas, downloading and learning how to sing yet another song. This couldn't be more different from last month's "Ave Maria," as delivered full throttle by the Head Nun in "The House of Blue Leaves." Now, it's Chicago-born Abbey Lincoln's cool jazzy, lady Day-ish sexy "Afro Blue." Music by the Cuban Mongo Santamaria, originally recorded by Ms. Lincoln in 1959.

There was a time in college when my roommate and I would get very silly and I would launch into pseudo 1940's jazz singer mode as she sat, horrified, on her bunk bed, taking it all in. I must channel that for this audition. I have more than a week to learn the song and lyrics.

Good thing? I'm not supposed to be a good singer in this role as the only white woman in an otherwise all African-American play. Funny thing? I'm supposed to think I've got lots of potential. Well, I think I do - as an actress and mimic.

I am calling upon all my musically inclined and connected friends to help on this one.