Arena Stage presents for the first time a musical based on the life of Frederick Douglass, “American Prophet”

OMCP’s Jason Fraley Previews “American Prophet” on Arena Stage (Piece 1)

Per musical based on American abolitionist hero Frederick Douglass contains belonging to it planet premiere in certain nation’s capital. Arena Stage presents “American Prophet” until August 28.

Actor Cornelius Smith Jr., whoever plays Douglass within certain act, spoke in order to WTOP regarding in what way they approached current historical figure.

“When yourself believe from Frederick Douglass, thou believe out of each white-haired, white-bearded former statesman,” Smith stated. “Us focus on his earlier lifetime, among his mid in order to tardy 30s, one young guy which person begins in order to understand which person male is also begins his journey… Our team depart per bit inside order, nevertheless bounce via periods also distinct speeches.

Douglass was born one slave in 1817 in Talbot County, Maryland, earlier escaping on some train to Recent York within 1838. Settling within Massachusetts, he became per world-renowned abolitionist whom influenced certain President Abraham Lincoln along with documented his journey within triple must-reads. autobiographies.

Douglass lived outside his final years inside DC, until his death inside 1895.

“It’s crazy in order to think approximately as well as as well really interesting to be able up to inform his chronicle amid single city whither he actually lived, whither man actually walked certain streets,” Smith replied. “Frederick Douglass possesses traveled certain world, nevertheless Maryland and DC…that’s his residence for guy. Male was probably certain primary African-American toward go to certain White Residence plus meet any president.

Never merely performs the musical explore Douglass’ remarkable living, nevertheless object additionally explores the largely untold narrative of his wife, Anna Douglass. Anna was some free black woman via Baltimore whom gentleman met among 1837, further inspiring guy for seek his escape across certain next twelve months.

“Anna doesn’t obtain talked about amid the history books,” Smith declared. “When at that spot was negative Anna, at that spot should be nay Frederick…Anna helped male escape…Anna was single seamstress, accordingly girl sewed single sailor outfit for Frederick up to dress up along with jog away… Gal helped with any Underground Railroad, freeing slaves when Frederick was giving speeches.

Actress Kristolyn Lloyd, formerly out of Broadway’s ‘Dear Evan Hansen’, plays lady Anna Douglass on stage.

“It’s quite pleasant to labor with her,” stated Smith. “I met Kirstolyn years ago, before current production, therefore it’s stood single loop second up to arrive behind plus join female.”

“I’ve always wanted in order to carry out some musical, said is mine initial, accordingly I’m really excited and feel really lucky to contain so seasoned veterans nearby me similar to Kristolyn,” male added.

A musical is hosted near to director Charles Randolph-Wright, who contains previously presented “Born For Said: Each BeBe Winans Story” by Arena Stage plus “Motown each Musical” around the National Theater. Smith declared male was overwhelmed with the production.

“Listen, let’s proceed!” he mentioned. “It’s not as one full establish in which we’re inside a authentic city, there’s no huge chunks coming in… Us reach and proceed away out of moment. Personally, I such as object when the actors are remaining up to facilitate create each world… Certain costumes are on fire! Yourself will observe the big dresses they wore around which time… Dressed above people! They got of them makeup done!

Randolph-Wright co-wrote a piece with Marcus Hummon, certain Grammy-winning songwriter out of country music hits resemble Rascal Flatts’ “Bless any Broken Road”, The Chicks’ “Cowboy Take Me Away”, “Any Cheap Seats” starting at Alabama plus “Tim McGraw” Single of above days.”

“Music is really which drew yours truly to object,” Smith stated. “It’s hence visceral… Every song is special…”

“‘Which Does Freedom Stare Like’ is the song I begin each piece with… ‘Ourselves Require some Fire’ is [his] Fourth of July speech when male declared: “Itself is not at all each light that our group necessitate, however the fire. It’s in no way the soft shower us must have, yet each thunder. Ourselves demand a storm.

Right now, for the rest made from certain occasion, some made from each iconic speaker’s speeches shall become cemented internal song.

“Eighty toward 90 percent made from certain words I speak are Frederick Douglass words,” Smith said. “Y'all desire seem entertained; yourself intend find out fresh things such guys did in no way understand around Frederick Douglas; you will exist moved.

“Therefore leave not in, hold a positive time, laugh, get your heart pumping, get your mind racing, that’s theater.”

OMCP’s Jason Fraley Previews “American Prophet” on Arena Stage (Portion 2)

Listen for our full conversation in this spot.