A new musical based on the life of civil rights icon Rosa Parks is in the works in London, Playbill reports. The show was written by Victoria Gimby (book and lyrics) and Stuart Matthew Price (music and lyrics).
According to Playbill, the musical follows the true story of Parks and “her journey from quiet seamstress to the mother of the U.S. civil rights movement. By refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger in 1950s Alabama, Parks took her place in history as an international symbol of hope that has inspired future generations to continue the fight for equality.”
“We have been passionate about telling Rosa’s story since meeting Victoria last year,” said producer James Yeoburn. “Victoria and Stuart have captured in their work the rise of one of history’s most powerful women whose life was spent campaigning for equality not only for her race but for her gender and class. We are delighted to see how beautifully this translates for the stage.”
The cast includes Simbi Akande, Ricardo Coke-Thomas, Sophie-Louise Dann, Jason Denton, James Gant, Cornell S. John, Abiona Omonua, Jenny Perry, Cat Simmons, and Jos Slovick.
It’s an interesting fact that the musical is in production in London, rather than in the U.S., where Parks’ story directly influenced the civil rights movement, but as Yeoburn continues, “This is a human story about an everyday person investing fearlessly in what she felt was right and her contribution has never been more relevant. Rosa’s story is taught to all ages throughout the education systems both in the U.S. and here in the UK. Her message remains strong and continues to empower our leaders of tomorrow.”
Playbill also details that interest in the musical is growing on this side of the pond as well, so perhaps it won’t be long before this show about a female American icon makes its way to Broadway. After the success of musicals like “Hamilton” and “The Color Purple,” audiences are clamoring for more diverse stories on stage as well as on screen.
