Marie and Rosetta

October 22 – December 22, 2024

By George Brant
Directed by E. Faye Butler

Stiemke Studio

Approximate Running Time: 1 hour and 50 minutes with no intermission
Recommended Age: 14 and up

The unsung story of Rock ’n’ Roll’s roof-raising soul sisters

Before Little Richard, Johnny Cash, and Jimi Hendrix, Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s groundbreaking blend of gospel music, swing rhythms and fierce electric guitar made her an unconventional music superstar in the 1930s and 40s. Acclaimed writer George Brant (Grounded) unearths the unsung roots of the fearless “Godmother of Rock ’n’ Roll” and her wide-eyed protégée Marie Knight, as they begin their revolutionary ascent to become one of the most influential teams in music history. Starring Rep favorites Alexis J Roston (Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill; Nina Simone: Four Women) and Bethany Thomas (Ragtime, Hedwig and the Angry Inch) and featuring a rich mix of songs from the early days of rock ’n roll, this magnetic play with music is a sure-fire can’t-miss show.

★★★★
“Dramatically rich, musically irresistible... one powerhouse number after another.”
– Chicago Sun Times

Executive Producer
Maureen McCabe

Associate Producers
Rania & Pat Dempsey • Katie & Chris Hermann