Songwriter, Playwright Marcus Hummon To Present Frederick Douglass Musical

Nashville songwriter and playwright Marcus Hummon has created a concert theatrical adaptation based on the life of American abolitionist and social reformer Frederick Douglass. The work was commissioned by Christ Church Cathedral in Nashville.

“Frederick Douglass: The Making of an American Prophet” will focus on Douglass’ early years. The adaptation will star Bakari King as Douglass, and will feature the choir Inversion, as well as Heather Aikin, Patrick James, Jeff Lewis, Kelsey Onwuzuruigbo, and Jonathan Yudkin.

The adaptation premieres May 15 at Christ Church Cathedral at 7:30 p.m. Additional performances will take place May 17 (Fifteenth Ave. Baptist Church), May 23 (Vanderbilt’s Benton Chapel), and May 24 (Thistle Stop Cafe).

“People sometimes describe the quintessential American story as rags to riches — the story of a self-made man,” Hummon says. “With Frederick Douglass we have a deeper American success story; from slave to a president’s confidante, a successful author, a celebrated orator, a statesman and social reformer. In the tradition of prophets who speak truth that transcends the time they live in, Frederick has a lot to say to us today.”