Columbus Dispatch: 'Oh Freedom: Evolution Theatre launches school outreach with black-history musical'

[Columbus baritone singer-actor Eric McKeever will lead Evolution Theatre Company’s new program (Credit: Keith Morgan)]

By: Michael Grossberg

The Columbus Dispatch - January 18, 2012 

Just in time for Black History Month, Evolution Theatre Company has launched a new “edu-tainment” program for central Ohio schools.

The program will begin in February with tours of Oh Freedom, Eric McKeever’s one-act musical celebrating African American culture and history from the slavery era to today.”

“Eric has tailored the show to focus on the history of blacks from slavery to modern times and on Ohio, so it fits in well with Black History Month and helps kick off Columbus’ bicentennial.”

"Accompanied by a pianist, McKeever and another singer-actor perform the 45-minute production, which touches upon several historical periods and social-studies theme areas that area students are studying – from the Civil War and Reconstruction to the Harlem Renaissance and the civil-rights era and including the Middle Passage, the Underground Railroad, the abolitionist movement and the Emancipation Proclamation.”

“An Opera Columbus baritone singer-actor who played Jake in a national tour of Porgy and Bess, he first forged links with Evolution Theatre Company when he appeared in 2010 in the Ohio premiere of Boy Meets Boy, a coproduction of CAPA and the troupe in the Riffe Center.

The songs in the musical reflect the African American experience: Lift Every Voice and Sing, known as the Negro National Anthem; Follow the Drinking Gourd; Wade in the Water, The Gospel Train’s a Comin’; Slavery Chain Done Broke at Last; and I, Too, Sing America, taken from Langston Hughes’ poem.”

“An 'Oh Freedom' Study Guide – which connects directly to Ohio State Content Standards in Social Studies, English/Language Arts, Music and Theatre – expands on the historical and musical elements of each period.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Schools and other central Ohio organizations can book performances by contacting McKeever at 614-233-1124 or emailing eric@evolutiontheatre.org. 

To complete the “Oh Freedom” Reservation Form online, visit www.evolutiontheatre.org”