"I didn't know no better, Oh boys, in my girlish days," is a lyric from a 1930s blues song, "My Girlish Days." The tune was revived a few years ago by jazz-folkie Phoebe Snow and now serves as the inspiration for Karen L.B. Evans' drama of the same name, running in a Black History month engagement at New Jersey's Bergen Community College Theatre, Feb. 22 March 11.

My Girlish Days is the story of a gifted African-American woman struggling with life and love, friendships and family in the 1930's and '40's. Evans' is also the author of Homegirls and We Miss You, Stink.

Kimberly JaJuan who performed on Broadway in Marie Christine, Ragtime and Dreamgirls stars with Cherene Snow (The Last of the Thorntons, "City of Angels"), Spencer Scott Barros (The Tempest) and Michelle Powers.

American Stage Company producing artistic director Matthew Parent directs. His past credits include Double Act with Bonnie Franklin and Keir Dullea and Lost in Yonkers with Danny Gerard.

Designing My Girlish Days are Richard Meyer (sets), Betsy Adams (lighting) and Dale DiBernardo (costumes). Tickets are $25-$35. The Bergen Community College is located on Paramus Road in Paramas, NJ. For reservations, call (201) 692-7744.

— By Christine Ehren