This fall, the History Theatre lifts the curtain on the extraordinary life of Minneapolis jazz great Doris Hines. The world premiere of Don’t Miss Doris Hines, a new play with music written by TyLie Shider and directed by Vanessa Brooke Agnes, runs September 18 through October 12 in St. Paul.
Hines, known as “The Satin Doll,” left her mark on stages across the Twin Cities and the world, performing alongside Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and Harry Belafonte. Locally, she graced venues like the Ordway, Penumbra, Big Al’s, and The Manor before touring Japan, Australia, and beyond. While her son, Grammy winner Gary Hines, built Sounds of Blackness into an international force, this production centers Doris’ own remarkable story.
The play was originally conceived as a piece about Gary Hines and the founding of Sounds of Blackness. But after a series of interviews, playwright TyLie Shider was drawn to the story of his mother, a woman who raised six children, navigated personal challenges, and still became one of the Twin Cities’ most revered performers.
“The title comes from a legendary quote, reportedly Nat King Cole telling Ella Fitzgerald, ‘Do not miss Doris Hines,'” said Shider. “That stuck with me, and with Gary’s blessing, I wanted to honor the woman behind the legend.”
Director Vanessa Brooke Agnes calls the production “a powerful, poetic celebration of story, song, and Black brilliance.” She notes that the play highlights not only Doris’ artistry but also her strength as a mother balancing the spotlight with family life during times of war and cultural change.
The cast features Comfort Dolo making her History Theatre debut as Doris Hines, joined by Neal Beckman, Darius Dotch, Ashawnti Sakina Ford, and Charlotte McDaniel. The creative team includes Music Director Aaron Vandanacker, Scenic Designer Ursula K. Bowden, Costume Designer Meghan Kent, and a full production crew dedicated to bringing Doris’ world to life.
Don’t Miss Doris Hines opens History Theatre’s 2025-26 season, dedicated to untold Minnesota stories. Tickets range from $25-$70, with discounts available for students, seniors, patrons under 30, and veterans. Group rates are also offered. Pay What You Can previews will be held September 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Accessibility options include ASL and audio description (October 4, 2:00 p.m.) and open captioning (October 11, 7:30 p.m. and October 12, 2:00 p.m.). Post-show talkbacks with the playwright and guest speakers will follow Sunday matinees on September 21, September 28, October 5, and October 12.
Through story and song, Don’t Miss Doris Hines honors a Minneapolis woman who brought sophistication, resilience, and beauty to every stage she touched. As audiences return to History Theatre this season, they will discover not only the brilliance of Doris Hines but also the importance of remembering the women who shaped our cultural legacy.
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