act one

It’s 1939 — and much like today — economic turmoil, racial tension, and political division consume America. [She’s the One*]

When world-famous, Black contralto, MARIAN ANDERSON, is denied a stage in Washington, D.C. — an international Civil Rights controversy explodes. Offered a chance to sing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial before an unprecedented, racially-integrated audience, Marian is catapulted into a personal crisis the night before she gives the performance of a lifetime.

Despite growing up in an impoverished neighborhood in South Philadelphia, YOUNG MARIAN wants to sing opera. Discouraged by the harsh words of her grandmother, but encouraged by her adoring father, Marian can’t help but want to sing the music in her soul. [Close My Eyes and Sing*]

As Marian grows into adulthood, she and acclaimed accompanist, BILLY KING, are invited to perform at the home of ORPHEUS FISHER, a well-to-do architect who falls in love with Marian [Start of Something Good*]. Smitten with Orpheus but driven by music, Marian applies to a local music conservatory, where she is denied entry due to racial prejudice. [Philadelphia School of Music*] Unsure how to proceed, she finds comfort and reassurance from her mother. [God Only Knows*]

Determined, Marian and Billy embark on a concert Tour of the South*. Upon Marian’s return home, she auditions for celebrated teacher GIUSEPPE BOGHETTI. Astounded by her talent, he boldly declares that she will Sing for Kings*.

During the next two years, Marian focuses only on her training. When she finally achieves her dream and wins a scholarship to study opera abroad, she learns that she has lost her relationship with Orpheus. She boards the Il de France and travels to Europe alone. [Promised Land*]

act two

It’s Paris circa 1930’s, and Marian feels right at home. [Dark in the City of Light*] Growing in fame, Marian is hailed as the “voice of the century” and considered musical royalty by the press. [Marian Fever*]

The great impresario, SOL HUROK, signs her and sets up an American tour. Upon her return, Billy King expects to resume his role as her accompanist [I Paid My Dues*] and Orpheus works to bring harmony back to his relationship with Marian. [Space Between the Notes*]

With “Marian Fever” now hitting America, Sol is shocked when the Daughters of the American Revolution refuse to let Marian sing at Constitution Hall, because she is Black. Citing racial prejudice, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt resigns from the organization. This makes international news, but nothing prepares Marian for the firestorm that erupts when her Washington, D.C. concert is moved to the Lincoln Memorial. 

The night before the concert, a distraught Marian calls Sol and cancels. Confronted with the weight of her destiny, Marian decides to use her voice and make history. [One Voice*]