Blues for an Alabama Sky

Angel Allen is a Black Blues singer struggling to make a career in performing during the beginning of the Great Depression. She moved to Harlem from Savannah, Georgia with her friend Guy, planning to… read analysis of Angel Allen

Guy Jacobs is a costume designer and Angel’s best friend. He and Angel moved from Georgia to Harlem together, with Guy following Angel north to escape the dual oppression he faced as a gay Black… read analysis of Guy Jacobs

Delia Patterson is a young social worker involved in establishing a family-planning clinic in Harlem. She works closely with Margaret Sanger, a historical figure who is often regarded as the founder of the birth control… read analysis of Delia Patterson

Sam Thomas is a doctor at Harlem Hospital who most often works delivering babies for the women of Harlem. His status as a Black doctor makes him a pillar of Harlem’s Black community, and his… read analysis of Sam Thomas

Josephine Baker is a famous Black American performer who lives in Paris. Josephine Baker, who never appears in the play but is consistently referred to by other characters, was a real historical figure who achieved… read analysis of Josephine Baker

Nick is an Italian man and alleged gangster who breaks off a relationship with Angel at the start of the play. Nick leaving Angel for another woman leads Angel to lash out at him during… read analysis of Nick

Reverend Powell is member of the Harlem community who never appears onstage but is mentioned often by other characters. Like Josephine Baker, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. was a real historical figure. He was a… read analysis of Reverend Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.

Tony is a friend of Nick’s and an associate of his in illicit dealings. Tony expresses interest in hiring Angel as a singer, but when Angel goes to audition for him, she realizes that… read analysis of Tony