André De Shields. Photo by Lia Chang

Written and performed by André De Shields, CONFESSIONS OF A P.I.M.P. will return to Victory Gardens for three performances August 26, 27 at 8pm and August 28 at 7:30pm.

A Chicago legend, known nationally for his show-stopping Broadway turns in THE WIZ, AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’, PLAY ON! and THE FULL MONTY, De Shields holds three Jeff Awards, an Emmy and an OBIE.

From the press release: “From the heat of urban insurrection in Baltimore, Maryland to the incandescent glare of New York’s Great White Way, “Jelly Belly” has many stories to tell. Through song, dance, and spoken word, join Victory Gardens Theater’s Fox Foundation Resident Actor Fellow André De Shields in this riveting performance as we follow this adventure from inner city impoverishment to self-actualization.”

The cast also includes Kimberly Lawson and Donica Lynn. Directed by Samuel G. Roberson and Dennis Začek, the creative team for CONFESSIONS OF A P.I.M.P. includes Doug Peck (musical direction), Jake Ruppert (sound design) and Charles Smith (dramaturg). The band includes Tony Mhoon (bass) and Robert Reddrick (percussion). Tina Jach is the stage manager. Začek and Grippo Stage Company produce.

CONFESSIONS OF A P.I.M.P. originally premiered as part of Victory Gardens’ 2015 IGNITION Festival of New Plays.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at www.victorygardens.org or by calling the box office at 773-871-3000.