Walnut Street Theatre’s Independence Studio on 3 brings back the spirit of Philadelphia’s own Ethel Waters with her life stories and memorable songs in “Ethel!” Written by and starring Broadway’s Terry Burrell, this world premiere begins with previews today and runs through March 11.

Burrell first appeared at the Walnut in the pre-Broadway tryout of “Eubie” in 1978. Since then, Burrell, a Trinidad-born performer, has appeared on Broadway in “Three Penny Opera,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” “Swinging On A Star,” “Into The Woods,” “Dreamgirls” and “Honky Tonk Nights.”

She also appeared in numerous off-Broadway productions, various concerts, and was honored with nominations for Helen Hayes Awards for other work in both “Queenie Pie” and “Showboat.”

Burrell says that, much like Ethel Waters, growing up she never had any doubt she would be a performer. “In high school, I really got involved with musicals. I think the first one I ever did was ‘West Side Story,’ but that became the defining moment in my life when I knew this was really what I wanted to do.”

But unlike Waters, she continues, hers was a happy life with parents who were very supportive of her dreams. However, Burrell explains, “Ethel didn’t have an easy life. A child of rape, her mother rejected her almost from birth. Her grandmother raised her in poverty, and Ethel was always hungry and had to learn to steal. She learned to be tough and had this armor around her which colored everything she did.”

Burrell says she decided to write this performance piece simply because she had no choice. “I first started doing the research about twenty years ago when I was looking for something to develop. I knew I needed to produce something of my very own. My friends encouraged me to work on this piece because they felt Ethel was in danger of being forgotten.”

And the more research she did, the more Burrell became interested in the life of Ethel Waters. “I was especially interested in the music she sang which was the music I grew up singing — the great songs of the ’20s and ’30s and ’40s and ’50s. But in the beginning, my idea was that I would do the research and then find someone else to write the piece. But that never worked out, so about a year and a half ago, I decided to write it myself.”

And so she did, producing a show full of colorful language, rough men and a woman full of good old American street skills that led to a career that featured hit records, Broadway shows, and even an Academy Award nomination — the second African-American actress to ever be nominated.

“Ethel!” entertains with personal stories of Waters’ life and unforgettable songs, including “Dinah,” “Heebie Jeebies,” “Taking a Chance on Love” and “Stormy Weather.”

Burrell says that when the show closes at the Walnut, she’d love to take it to Broadway. “Either Broadway or off-Broadway. I think it absolutely belongs there.”

As for her own future, Burrell says she might like to write more, although she might also like to add some film and or television to her resume.

“I love playing roles that go against what people think they know me for when the look at me. I love playing strong women — whether they once lived on the planet or not. All I do know is I want to continue to have a vibrant, lucrative career in the theater. And if that’s all I ever do, that’ll be just fine with me.”

For times and ticket information, call (215) 574-3550.