The Washington D.C Premiere
Now making its Washington premiere, this musical by John Kander and Fred Ebb (Cabaret and Chicago) is as timely as ever, as it examines one of America's most infamous miscarriages of justice. The Scottsboro Boys is a brave and gripping look at the enduring racial tensions and prejudice that became a turning point for the Civil Rights movement. A recent hit on both sides of the Pond, helmed by the Tony-winning director Susan Stroman in 2010 and 2015, this compelling musical was nominated for twelve Tony Awards, with this production led by Joe Calarco.
A crucially important musical
Whilst riding the box cars in Alabama in search of a new life, nine black teenagers that were to become the Scottsboro boys are falsely accused of rape by two white women, leading to their arrest. The musical explores the years of legal wrangles that exposed the corruption and inherent racism that purveyed in the South in the 1930s.
The oldest 20, with the youngest only 12, each are unjustly tried numerous times, with sentences ranging from 20 years to the death penalty. The pantomime of the justice system takes over 20 years to unravel, but not before seeing thousands march on Washington to try and sway the fate and secure the right to a fair trial for all men and women.
