UP NEXT: Red & Black
Book by Nick Hatcher and Sheridan Merrick, with music by David Thomas. Directed by Lindsay Smiling.
MusiCoLab is proud to present a developmental workshop of Red & Black, an original musical that confronts the impact of racism and violence on a Philadelphia family and community. This powerful work by young, diverse artists uses contemporary music to tell a story of racial healing and reconciliation in our divided times.
Public presentations of this developmental workshop will be held at the Bluver Theater at The Drake on Wednesday 8/20 and Thursday 8/21 at 7pm.
In this story, Julian returns to their childhood home after their father's death, haunted by memories of their mother Lena, tragically killed by police years earlier. Red & Black interweaves Julian's present-day grief with fragments of the trial that followed his mother’s death — a trial representing systemic injustice and the elusive pursuit of truth.
MusiCoLab's annual workshop opportunity is focused on the development of a full-length musical, giving creative teams in our community the opportunity to test their work in front of local audiences. Chosen by committee from multiple pieces presented at a pitch night in early 2025, Red & Black was selected for this year's workshop.
Red & Black was one of three musicals featured in the 2024 Spotlight Series: A Closer Look.