School Performance: Hero: The Boy from Troy (KCYS)

This performance is part of the Krannert Center Youth Series, school-day performances for public, private, and home school groups.

Jayden is stuck in detention with a book about Congressman John Lewis, but he thinks that history has nothing to teach him. Together we go on a musical journey through the decades that shows how the heroes in the Civil Rights movement inspired young John Lewis to protest injustice and get into ‘good trouble.’

As a boy, John dreams of being a preacher who can help others. While he doesn’t have a congregation yet, he does have a loyal group of singing chickens that listen to him as he finds his voice. On a harrowing road trip through the South, John’s eyes and mind are opened to the injustices of segregation and racism, inspiring him to take action. As John meets Rosa Parks and Dr. King and ultimately becomes a leader and American hero himself, Jayden learns how he too can take a stand.

From the same creative team as Jabari Dreams of Freedom, including playwright Nambi E. Kelley and music and lyrics by Joe Plummer, this new musical production was commissioned by Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera's Gallery of Heroes Program . The national touring production is supported by Development Partner The Center at Governor State University in University Park, Illinois.

Recommended for grades 3-6