Tribute to Marlene & Josephine: Two Lives, One Lasting Legacy
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Two legendary icons of the twentieth-century stage were brought vividly to life by the remarkable producer, author, actress, and “femme de culture,” Robin Phillips and the acclaimed singer Yvette Spears. Together they presented an unforgettable evening celebrating the music and lives of Marlene Dietrich and Josephine Baker.
This special Summer Musicale took place at “Woof Trap Theatre” at the Carderock Falls Manor as part of WIPAC’s annual fundraising event following its 25th Anniversary in 2025. WIPAC will hold its annual International Piano Arts Competition from August 5th through the 9th in Washington, DC.
One of WIPAC’s greatest champions, Robin Phillips, presented her original production, Marlene and Josephine, Wine, Women and Song. Phillips, portraying Marlene and Spears, portraying Josephine, skillfully brought these two extraordinary women together on stage. In her narration, Phillips explored their unique lives as chanteuses, performers, and courageous women whose paths intersected in France during World War II. As Phillips expressed, “By the late 1960s, Marlene and Josephine were not just performers, they had become legends… women who crossed borders, defied expectations, loved passionately, stared down the whole world and defied fascism.” She went on to explain that “neither lived cautiously, neither apologized for living fully… they were a symbol of individuality, survival and defiance.”
Josephine Baker, an African American singer, dancer, and entertainer of immense talent, left the United States because she could no longer tolerate the racism she experienced despite her growing acclaim. In France, she became an international sensation and one of the most celebrated performers of her era.
Marlene Dietrich, born in Germany, was likewise renowned as a legendary chanteuse and one of the most successful actresses of the twentieth century. She settled in France and devoted herself to supporting the Allied cause during World War II. Dietrich became especially admired for entertaining Allied troops, boosting morale, and demonstrating unwavering loyalty to the fight against Nazism. Rejecting Adolf Hitler’s invitations to return to Germany and publicly support the regime, she ultimately became an American citizen.
Josephine Baker’s story is almost unbelievable in its scope and achievement. She captivated audiences throughout Europe and counted among her admirers some of world’s greatest artists and intellectuals, including Pablo Picasso and Jean Cocteau. Beyond her artistic accomplishments, Baker became an active member of the French Resistance, serving as a spy and making significant contributions to the Allied war effort against Nazi Germany. Phillips recounted how Baker hid secrets in her music scores that helped the allied forces.
Her postwar life was equally extraordinary. Baker adopted twelve children of diverse ethnic backgrounds and raised them in her French château as a living testament to racial harmony and human unity. Despite later financial hardships that threatened the loss of her home, she received crucial support from Princess Grace of Monaco, whose friendship helped preserve Baker’s quality of life during difficult times.
Yvette Spears portrayed Josephine Baker to great acclaim. Possessing a vocal timbre and resonance reminiscent of Baker’s celebrated rich, warm and highly expressive mezzo soprano voice, Spears captivated the audience with her energy, and charisma. Particularly memorable was her rendition of Frank Sinatra’s classic “My Way,” a song that Baker herself famously performed at Carnegie Hall in 1973, just two years before her death in 1975.
Peter DiGiovanni's accordion performance created the flavor for the era of the 1940s and pianist Ronald "Trey" Walton's virtuosic piano accompaniment was an inspiration to both the singers and the audience. The realization of this remarkable production was made in part through the efforts of Jose Alberto Ucles, a devoted supporter of WIPAC and Commissioner of the DC Arts Commission. It was through his introduction of Yvette Spears to Robin Phillips that this dynamic collaboration came to fruition.
Robin Phillips’ production, through her eloquent narration and moving interpretations
of Dietrich’s songs, illuminated the remarkable lives of these two women. The performance was poetic, compelling, and deserving of a much wider audience through future professional-stage productions.
Event Chair, Marsha Muawwad graciously welcomed guests to the intimate theatre venue. The evening reflected the dedication and support of WIPAC’s outstanding leadership and community, including founders Chateau and John Gardecki, President Faye Rockne, and the organization’s officers, supporters, and volunteers.
Their commitment continues to make possible cultural events of exceptional quality while advancing WIPAC’s mission of nurturing the art of piano performance.
The event was not only a celebration of two extraordinary women whose courage, artistry, and convictions changed history, but also a testament to the power of the arts to educate, inspire, and unite audiences across generations.