In 1976, Ron Himes founded The St. Louis Black Repertory Company while earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration from University College in Arts & Sciences.
Today The Black Rep is one of the largest and most respected African-American companies in the nation, reaching an annual audience of more than 150,000.
This month, The Black Rep returns to WUSTL to launch its 30th anniversary season with Mahalia: A Gospel Musical. Performances run Sept. 13-24 in Edison Theatre.
“The Black Rep is one of St. Louis’ true cultural gems,” said Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton, who — along with his wife, Risa Zwerling Wrighton — co-chairs the company’s 30th Anniversary Celebration Committee.
“Under the leadership of Ron Himes, The Black Rep has developed a loyal following as well as an outstanding reputation for challenging theatre,” Wrighton continued. “We are thrilled to welcome them back to campus.”
Mahalia, written by Tom Stolz and produced and directed by Himes, celebrates the life and music of gospel great Mahalia Jackson (1911-1972).
Born and raised in New Orleans’ humble “Black Pearl” neighborhood, Jackson rose to become the preeminent gospel singer of her day, known for recordings such as “Elijah Rock,” “Precious Lord” and “We Shall Overcome.”
A close friend of Martin Luther King Jr., she was closely associated with the Civil Rights Movement and famously performed at the inauguration of President John F. Kennedy as well as at King’s funeral.
“I am thrilled to open our 30th anniversary season with such a moving show that provides a unique historical look at the life of Mahalia Jackson,” said Himes, who also serves as the Henry E. Hampton Jr. artist-in-residence in the Performing Arts Department in Arts & Sciences. “She was the world’s greatest gospel singer and the spiritual voice of the Civil Rights Movement.”
The cast is led by Roz White Gonsalves as Mahalia. A native of Washington, D.C., Gonsalves is a graduate of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts and Howard University. She previously appeared in The Black Rep’s Tell Me Something Good and Blues in the Night.
Other featured players include Minister Malcolm L. Speed, founder of True Foundation Records Inc., a St. Louis-based gospel label; and Pamela D. Mallory, minister of music at the Christ Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church.
Performances begin at 7 p.m. Sept. 13 and continue through Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; and 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets range from $10-$30 and are available by calling The Black Rep box office at 534-3810.