There is a new and exciting play coming out of Hartford, CT called Breath & Imagination. Using a mix of classical, gospel and original music by Daniel Beaty, Breath & Imagination tells the story of Roland Hayes, the first world-renowned black classical singer and his rag to riches story. The play centers on the relationship of Hayes and his mother, and how Hayes went from a slave on a Georgia plantation to singing before kings and queens.
Starring Jubilant Sykes as Roland Hayes, Kecia Lewis-Evans as Angel Mo’ and Tom Frey as the accompanist, this show sounds like one that shouldn’t be missed. We usually don’t hear about black classical musicians and for one of the first artists to be honored in a play feels great. I really hope that this show goes on tour so that I can get an opportunity to see it.
It opened on Jan 10th and runs through Feb 9th. If you are in the Hartford area, go and check out this production. You can find out more information as well as buy tickets by visiting www.hartfordstage.org.
