TILL: The Emotional and Moving True Story of Emmett and Mamie Till
Music and Lyrics by Leo Schwartz / Book by Leo Schwartz & DC Cathro / Directed by NJ Agwuna /
Choreographed by Kenny Ingram
New York Musical Festival (NYMF), Theater District, NYC
A child's murder becomes a worldwide awakening. In 1955, a black teenager visiting relatives in Mississippi was murdered. His body was thrown in the Tallahatchie River where it was discovered three days later, mutilated and unrecognizable. His mother bravely insisted that he have an open casket funeral so that “the world would see” what they had done to her child. This crime and her impassioned response were catalysts for the subsequent civil rights protests of the era.
Reviews
“In a smart and inventive production, beautifully cast and sensitively directed by N.J. Agwuna at the Pershing Square Signature Center, this musical achieves something difficult and rare. It blows the dust of history off a tragedy and brings a martyr to exuberant, mischievous, complicated life.”
— Laura Collins-Hughes / The New York Times
“5 Shows That Stand Out at NYMF 2019”
— Ken Davenport / The Producer’s Perspective
“7 Shows Not to Miss at 2019 NYMF”
— Ruthie Fierberg / Playbill