“Laugh to keep from cryin’” was a maxim often employed by black vaudeville performers in the 1920s to endure racism, long hours, and atrocious pay, not to mention performing in humiliating productions. Things were even tougher on the traveling circuit, and yet amazingly, these vaudevillians still managed to bring warmth and quick-witted humor to audiences that viewed them with suspicion and outright hostility. Through the story of vaudeville star Bertha Mae Little, who helps two friends get their big break, Rollin’ chronicles the backstage machinations with both humor and poignance. 270 N. Kent St., St. Paul; 651-224-3180; www.penumbratheatre.org
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