Book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Music by Stephen Flaherty
Based on the Novel by
Sherley Anne Williams
Direction and musical staging by
Rick Lombardo**
musical direction by Todd C. Gordon
choreography by Kelli Edwards

Peter Colao, scenic design
Frances Nelson McSherry***, costume design
Franklin Meissner, Jr.***, lighting design
Jamie Whoolery, sound design
Larry Vigus, properties design
Carola Morrone*, production stage manager
Jennifer Braun*, assistant stage manager

Cast (in alphabetical order)

Uzo Aduba*, Dessa Rose
Edward M. Barker*, Nathan
Leigh Barrett*, Ruth
Peter A. Carey*, Sheriff Hughes, Trader Wilson, Bertie Suttion, Parishoner, Auctioneer
Dee Crawford, Rose, House Slave, Ada, Auntie Chole
De’Lon Grant, Kaine, Field Hand, Philip
Joshua W. Heggie, Harker, Joseph
Todd Alan Johnson*, Adam Nehemiah
Michael Kreutz, Robert Steele, Parishoner, Auctioneer, Mr. Oscar, Sheriff Pine
A’lisa D. Miles*, Dorcas, Field Hand, Gemina, Janet
Kami Rushell Smith, Field Hand, Parishoner, House Slave, Annabel, Joy, Dessa Rose Understudy
Dawn C. Tucker, Ruth’s Mother, Mrs. Steele, Susannah

DESSA ROSE

A Musical by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty
Based on the novel by Sherley Anne Williams
New England Premiere

Directed by Rick Lombardo

featuring Uzo Aduba, Leigh Barrett, and Todd Alan Johnson

April 23 – May 18, 2008

“The work…achieves overwhelming power.” –London Financial Times

Listen to the songs from Dessa Rose

Read about the show in The Boston Globe

Two outcasts, one a fallen lady of society abandoned by her husband, the other a pregnant slave sentenced to death on the gallows, are thrust together. As they attempt escape, they form an uneasy alliance, securing them both their freedom and that of their infant children. The journey proves treacherous, and their lives become further intertwined. The women are forced to transcend racial barriers. They forge a true friendship that makes them realize they have far more power together than they ever would alone. Based on imagined details of real events, this dangerous adventure of a musical brings with it laughter, love, hope, and a pair of unlikely heroines.

Broadcast Partner: