A true revolutionary takes the stage at the Indiana Repertory Theatre this January

Indianapolis, Ind.— The Indiana Repertory Theatre begins the New Year with a look back at the impactful and inspiring life of a Civil Rights activist in Fannie: The Music and Life of Fannie Lou Hamer. Written by Cheryl L. West and lifted by music and songs, this story of justice, persistence, history, and faith runs January 9—February 4 on the OneAmerica Mainstage.

Part theatre and part gospel revival, the show introduces audiences to Fannie Lou Hamer during an election year. She guides them through her journey from humble roots as the daughter of Mississippi sharecroppers to a leader in the struggle for voting rights at a time when Civil Rights were far from secure. Fannie shares the still timely message of the need for equality and the power of the vote.

“Fannie is one of the many unsung heroes who found her purpose and persevered through unspeakable hardship. She saw everything she had as gifts to be shared, and her legacy continues to inspire us,” Margot Lacy Eccles Artistic Director Benjamin Hanna said. “I think we need to hear Fannie’s song the most in these moments when we are challenged to raise our voices.”

Selected by playwright Cheryl L. West, Henry D. Godinez is directing the production. He most recently directed Fannie at the Goodman Theatre, where he is the Resident Artistic Associate.

“My hope is that folks leave this production of Fannie with an appreciation for how remarkable Fannie Lou Hamer was, and a realization that each and every one of us has a voice and the right to use that voice by voting,” Director Henry D. Godinez said. “Like Fannie, we must never lose our faith in the principles of democracy that this nation stands for, even in the face of intimidation, lies, and fear.”

Joining Godinez will be a talented creative team from across the country made up of skilled designers and musicians. Maiesha McQueen will be playing the role of Fannie, bringing her award-winning acting and Broadway musical skills to the stage in her IRT debut. Accompanying McQueen onstage will be Musical Director Morgan E. Stevenson, guitarist and bassist Spencer Bean, and Indianapolis-based percussionist Dorian Phelps.

The Theatre will host supplemental programming during the run of the show, including Artist Conversations that provide a behind-the-scenes perspective on the production, Community Conversations, an ASL/AD performance, and the special Opening Night Celebration.

Tickets are available now for Fannie: The Music and Life of Fannie Lou Hamer.

DETAILS

WHERE: Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W. Washington Street, OneAmerica Mainstage

RUN DATES: January 9 – February 4, various times. Fannie: The Music and Life of Fannie Lou Hamer is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, with no intermission. Tickets and performance schedule available at IRTlive.com.

TICKETS: Tickets start at $25. Click to buy now.

CAST & CREATIVE TEAM:

MAIESHA MCQUEEN | Fannie Lou Hamer

MORGAN E. STEVENSON | Musical Director, Keyboard, Harmonica, Vocals

SPENCER BEAN | Acoustic and Electric Guitars, Bass, and Vocals

DORIAN PHELPS | Percussion, Vocals

PSYWRN SIMONE | Understudy & Assistant Director

CHERYL L. WEST | Playwright

HENRY D. GODINEZ | Director

COLLETTE POLLARD | Scenic Designer

ARI FULTON | Costume Designer

JASON LYNCH | Lighting Designer

VICTORIA DEIORIO | Sound Designer

MIKE TUTAJ | Projections Designer

RICHARD J ROBERTS | Dramaturg

NATHAN GARRISON | Stage Manager

SPECIAL PROGRAMMING:

OPENING NIGHT | Friday, January 12, 2024

Enjoy festivities before and after the performance including food and drinks for purchase, a selfie station, plus after the show delight in a champagne toast and a one-time-only chance to explore the set with IRT Artisans.

ARTIST CONVERSATION | Thursday, January 18, 2024

Engage with the creative minds behind the scenes through staff-led Artist Conversations. Dig into the artistic process, gain insights into the production’s development, and connect with the actors, directors, and designers who bring our shows to life. This interactive series offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of theater from a behind-the-scenes perspective, fostering a deeper appreciation for the magic that happens both on and off the stage. Artist Conversations typically last for 20 minutes.

ASL/AD PERFORMANCE | Sunday, January 21, 2024

The IRT offers ASL/AD services to our patrons with vision and hearing needs. Patrons with hearing needs are encouraged to sit in the interpretation zone and meet with the interpreter before the show. We also offer Assisted Listening Devices free of charge at each performance.

ARTIST CONVERSATION | Sunday, January 28, 2024

Engage with the creative minds behind the scenes through staff-led Artist Conversations. Dig into the artistic process, gain insights into the production’s development, and connect with the actors, directors, and designers who bring our shows to life. This interactive series offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of theater from a behind-the-scenes perspective, fostering a deeper appreciation for the magic that happens both on and off the stage. Artist Conversations typically last for 20 minutes.

COMMUNITY CONVERSATION | Tuesday, January 30, 2024 | Following the 6:30 PM performance

Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath, Community Connection Sponsor

From Cotton Fields to Capitol Hill: A Symphony of Determination in the Face of Oppression

Join us for a deep dive into the extraordinary life of Fannie Lou Hamer, from her humble beginnings in the cotton fields to her fearless advocacy for voting rights and economic empowerment. Susan L. Hall-Dotson, Indiana Historical Society, Judith B. Thomas, City of Indianapolis, and AshLee “PsyWrn Simone” Baskin, Assistant Director & Understudy for Fannie, join IRT’s Director of Inclusion & Community Partnerships, Devon Ginn for a Community Conversation. Together, the panel will explore how Hamer’s intersectional identity fueled her determination to challenge poverty, racism, and sexism through music and community. Discover the resilience of a Black feminist trailblazer who rose from oppression to make an indelible mark on Capitol Hill.

Panelists

Susan L. Hall-Dotson | African American Collections Curator, Indiana Historical Society Judith B. Thomas | Deputy Mayor of Neighborhood Engagement, City of Indianapolis AshLee “PsyWrn Simone” Baskin | Assistant Director & Understudy, Fannie: The Music and Life of Fannie Lou Hamer

ARTIST CONVERSATION | Saturday, February 3, 2024

Engage with the creative minds behind the scenes through staff-led Artist Conversations. Dig into the artistic process, gain insights into the production’s development, and connect with the actors, directors, and designers who bring our shows to life. This interactive series offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of theater from a behind-the-scenes perspective, fostering a deeper appreciation for the magic that happens both on and off the stage. Artist Conversations typically last for 20 minutes.

For more information contact Kerry Barmann, Associate Director of Marketing, at kbarmann@irtlive.com or 317.916.4824.

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ABOUT THE IRT Founded in 1971, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is the largest professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of the Indiana Repertory Theatre is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA): The IRT strives to celebrate and serve the diverse people and cultures that make up our whole community. The IRT is committed to providing access for all; to creating and maintaining an antiracist theatre that is inclusive, safe, and respectful.