Quote of the Day: Doris Hines’ story is an American story driven by her relentless ambition to secure (her best) life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Tylie Shider, playwright for Don’t Miss Doris Hines, produced by the History Theatre, playing through Oct. 12, 2025. Her story is truly inspirational.

Doris Hines was a singer and trailblazer with a career in music spanning from the 1950’s until her death in 2015. She was a contemporary of Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, and her friend Maya Angelou. She was born in New York and raised in the Foster Care system after her mother’s death when Doris was still very young. She also started singing at a young age and continued to pursue her dreams of making a living as a singer through her marriage to Edward Hines, his service in WWII, and raising their six children. “Big Ed,” as she called him, was less than supportive of her singing, believing that her place was in the home. She didn’t let that stop her. She auditioned for “Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts” show (like American Idol today) 17 times! When she finally won, they asked, “Where have you been?” It was Jerry Mayeron, Doris’ agent, who brought her to Minneapolis where she helped to put the Sheraton-Ritz Hotel and entertainment center on the map, eventually moving and living there with her children.

Comfort Dolo and Darius Dotch in Don’t Miss Doris Hines at the History Theatre, thru 10/12/25. Photo: Rick Spaulding

Comfort Dolo does a marvelous job of portraying Doris Hines. She has all the heart and moxie needed to lift up this incredible singer. Comfort’s singing is gorgeous. I would have liked to hear more of it. Although this is a show about a singer, it’s not a musical. It’s a play with music. The early singing is just clips from when she was doing her auditions. She sings more full-length songs in the second act, showcasing her chops as a jazz artist and crooner of American standards. They include an exchange she has with Ella Fitzgerald (Charlotte McDaniel plays Ella and others) where she meets Doris and compliments her on her singing. According to Ella, “Nat King Cole says, Don’t Miss Doris Hines!“

Comfort Dolo and Ashwanti Sakina Ford in Don’t Miss Doris Hines at the History Theatre, thru 10/12/25.

Darius Dotch is great as Doris’ husband “Big Ed,” giving a rather unlikeable character some softer moments. At first, they are very much in love, but they have to live with his dad and sister. Then, he goes off to war. Doris moves out, to get some space, but maintains a relationship with his sister Carmella (Ashwanti Sakina Ford). Even though the sisters-in-law don’t always see eye to eye, it’s Carmella who gives Doris the most support and is there for her, and with her, when she finally wins the audition with the Arthur Godfrey show. Ford gives Carmella lots of spirit and garners many laughs! When Jerry Mayeron (Neal Beckman) enters her life, her career takes off. But, Doris doesn’t necessarily wait around for things to happen to her, she takes charge and makes decisions based on what she needs. It’s an empowering story.

Comfort Dolo and Neal Beckman in Don’t Miss Doris Hines at the History Theatre, thru 10/12/25.

The set, designed by Ursula K. Bowden, is sometimes the Hines’ home. A curved curtain of hanging strings is pulled across that section and becomes the backdrop of a stage and also a place for projections to indicate cities, etc. where Doris performed. It offered a pretty cool effect  with lighting design by Bill Healey, video/projections by Leslie Ritenour, and sound design by Charlotte Deranek. Gorgeous period costumes by Meghan Kent, and wig design by Emma Gustafson. Doris has numerous costume and wig changes throughout the performance. Aaron Vandanacker is the Music Director and accompanies Doris live for the various places where she performs her music. It’s a nice touch to have him there, front and center. During some performances, Raymond Berg will be on the piano.

Charlotte McDaniel and Comfort Dolo in Don’t Miss Doris Hines at the History Theatre, thru 10/12/25.

Vanessa Brooke Agnes directs this lovely portrayal of the marvelous singer Doris Hines. You can see Don’t Miss Doris Hines at the History Theatre in St. Paul, MN through October 12, 2025.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: What do you know about Doris Hines or the singers of her era?