Marquette University Theatre presents ‘Can I Sing for You Brother?’

Event Information:
Date: Jan. 25-26, 2013
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Place: Helfaer Theatre
          525 N. 13th Street

Marquette Theatre will feature a one-man presentation of Can I Sing for You Brother? as part of Marquette’s year-long Freedom Project. Two performances will be offered: Friday, Jan. 25, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 26, at 7:30 p.m. at the Evan P. and Marion Helfaer Theatre.

Can I Sing for You Brother? is a one-man musical stage play written by Lewis Tucker. The ideas and themes within the performance embody the concepts of freedom and diversity, which are celebrated in the Freedom Project. The play is a cultural exploration and celebration centered on the life of a captured African slave, Mtombai. Through a variety of characters, the audience sees the struggles of African Americans in the 1800s and how songs served as a tool to help lift spirits. The play’s text is supported by Negro spirituals to illustrate the power of song to educate, enlighten and celebrate African American heritage.

The show is sponsored in part by Marquette’s Office of the Associate Provost for Diversity and Inclusion and Radio Milwaukee. Marquette Theatre is producing and presenting the performance, which features Marquette alumnus Stephen Scott Wormley, a 2010 graduate.

Wormley graduated with a double major in Theatre Arts and Communication Studies and a minor in Dance. While at Marquette, Wormley was a member of the Studio 013 Refugees improvisational comedy group and performed in main stage productions, including his senior capstone performance of Can I Sing for You Brother?, the first African American show to be performed on the Helfaer Theatre mainstage. Another memorable role at Marquette was that of George Seurat in Sunday in the Park with George.

Tickets for Can I Sing for you Brother? are $5, and can be purchased by contacting the Helfaer Theatre Box Office at (414) 288-7504 or online. All proceeds benefit the Phylis Ravel Theatre and Social Justice Fund.