About Betsy

BETSY is the story of a Bronx born and bred Puerto Rican jazz singer who stirs up the surprising history of her Scots-Irish ancestry.  The play is a full-out musical with original compositions ranging from ballads to jazz delivered by a five-member Latin-Appalachian band and three powerful vocalists.

The play’s music was composed by Roadside’s Ron Short, Nashville jazz pianist Beegie Adair, and Pregones’ Desmar Guevara.  BETSY is co-directed by Dudley Cocke and Rosalba Rolón.

Pregones and Roadside each pride themselves on their respect for cultural traditions, their ability to reach a popular audience, and their aspiration to tell new American stories.  The two ensembles have been hanging out and working together for 15 years.  Their last co-creation, Promise of a Love Song, toured nationally in 2000-2002 and was published in 2005 by Theatre Communications Group, New York.

Pregones Theater has received numerous awards for 27 years of theatrical excellence.  In 2006, the ensemble launched its new theater venue in the Bronx.  The company’s current international work includes the creation of a virtual theater school with theaters from eight other countries.

About the Betsy music residency

Quotes from the media about Roadside Theater, Ron Short, and Beegie Adair

Betsy images

Book Betsy

Listen to musical excerpts from Betsy:

1. Overture
2. Alone Again
3. Honey, Come and Dance
4. Jazz Waltz