Bayard Rustin
An African-American leader in social movements for civil rights, socialism, nonviolence, and gay rights.
Born: March 17, 1912, West Chester, PA
Died: August 24, 1987, New York, NY
Synopsis
Eye Of The Storm:'' The Bayard Rustin Musical highlights the life of an unsung hero. An openly gay strategist in the turbulent 1960s, Bayard Rustin, served as the key organizer for the historic March on Washington. An engaging and entertaining musical experience, “Eye of The Storm '' will provide educational appeal to increase awareness of the critical civil rights role played by the LGBTQI+ community during a time when the civil rights of LGBTQI+ were nonexistent. The musical will prove attractive to those in support of Black Lives Matter, LGBTQI+, and All Lives Matter. It is a story of what happens when the underserved and underrepresented communities collaborate in support of change. “Eye of The Storm: Bayard Rustin Musical'' is being actively marketed to the Chicago Public School system and independent schools in the Chicagoland area as a matinee performance field trip.
Creative Team Bios
McKinley Johnson
Playwright, Music & Lyrics
Jeff Award nominee, McKinley Johnson has written nine musicals and produced work at Chicago area theaters including Goodman Theatre, Black Ensemble Theatre, and the Open Door Repertory in Oak Park.
Marshall Titus
Music & Lyrics
Jeff Award recipient, international vocalist, songwriter, producer and Equity member who brings soul, gospel, jazz, and R & B sounds that resonate in music's history.
E. Faye Butler
Director
Career spans over 40 years. Performing and directing both musicals and plays nationally and internationally. After years of standing in front of the footlights, she now enjoys passing forward all the pearls of wisdom given to her during her fruitful acting career. Directing credits include One Mo' Time Anacostia Theatre Marie and Rosetta Northlight Theatre, which will transfer to Milwaukee Rep. (Fall 24'). The Wiz Fulton Theater, the Ain't Misbehavin Drury Lane Theatre (Spring 24'), Color Purple Maine State Music Theatre, (Best Direction) BroadwayWorld, Ain't Misbehavin Portland Stage, Beyond The Door Tender Touch productions (Fall 24')., Ain't Misbehavin Michigan Ensemble Theatre, Five Guys Named Moe Beverly Arts Center.
E. Faye Butler directs solo performances, cabarets, and staged readings as well. Recipient of nine Jeff, two Helen Hayes, Barrymore, After Dark, three Black Theatre Alliance, Ovation, R.A.M.I., Sarah Siddons, Excellence in Arts, Kathy, rosetta LeNoire, Guy Atkins, Heller & Hover, two Black Excellence, E.P.I.C. awards. Accommodations Lunt-Fontanne Fellow, inducted into Women in The Arts Museum in Washington D.C., RPS Fine Arts Hall of Fine, Chicagoan of the Year, and NewCity Stage Player.
Kenny Ingram
Artistic Producer
Award winning Director/Choreographer, Actor and Producer whose influence is known globally, Mr Ingram brings impact and influence to the entertainment industry like no one else.