A child’s murder becomes a worldwide awakening. In 1955, a black teenager visiting relatives in Mississippi was murdered. His body was thrown in the Tallahatchie River where it was discovered three days later, mutilated and unrecognizable. His mother bravely insisted that he have an open casket funeral so that “the world would see” what they had done to her child. This crime and her impassioned response were catalysts for the subsequent civil rights protests of the era.

With music and lyrics by Leo Schwartz, book by Leo Schwartz and DC Cathro, and choreography by Kenny Ingram. NJ Agwuna directs a cast of six, including Taylor A. Blackman (Regional: Fun Home, Mamma Mia, Hello Dolly, Ragtime), Tyla Collier (Off-Broadway: Sistas the Musical), Dwelvan David (1st national tours: Finding Neverland; The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess), Judith Franklin (Broadway: Summer: The Donna Summer Musical), Denielle Marie Gray (National/Intl. Touring: background singer for Patti Labelle & others) and Devin L. Roberts (Broadway: The Lion King, Cabin In The Sky).