Four performances

In 2017 FREDERICK was introduced as a five-minute musical piece based on the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass, written to commemorate his 2018 200th anniversary.

In 2018 a cast of students from Roosevelt Middle School of the Arts in Milwaukee, WI were selected to perform the lyrics and choreography. We share that story and the natural progression to developing a full-length production here RMSA's FREDERICK . 

The musical is drawn from the narrative cornerstones of the original piece. Frederick elevates key moments of Frederick Douglass’ remarkable story, the incredible strength of his mother, and the actions of his wife that led to his freedom and his place in the story of America as the father of the Civil Rights movement. 

This story is told by high school drama students who play the historical figures of the story as they rehearse with their director for the final time before opening night of the show. Through this experience, the students discover connections to their own lives by telling the story of Douglass's life. 

The Musical is done befittingly through the creative conduit of the Black American innovations of hip-hop, soul, and R&B music.

Frederick highlights the illusiveness of freedom and the persistence of its pursuit, while celebrating gumption in the throes of tragedy and injustice.