Crossin' Over Conceived and Directed by Ron HImes

The St. Louis Black Repertory Company will present a revival of its glorious 2005 hit musical, CROSSIN’ OVER, as a rousing climax to its 40thAnniversary Season.  Performances, at The Emerson Performance Center on the campus of Harris Stowe State University, begin with previews on May 24 and run through June 18.  Tickets are available at www.theblackrep.com, 314-534-3807, or pick them up at our box office located at 6662 Olive Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63130. Ticket prices range from $10 -$40.

The show, conceived and directed (in 2005 and for the current production) by Black Rep Founder and Producing Director Ron Himes traces the “crossing over” in cultural styles and music of the African-American experience.

From roots in Africa – from village to slave ship – through the middle passage - from auction block to plantation fields and up to the modern Civil Rights movement, CROSSIN’ OVER tells its tale with traditional West African drumming, hymns, psalms and Gospel standards such as “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” “Precious Lord,” and “We Shall Overcome,” as well as contemporary gospel music today.

This is the perfect show for us to end our 40th Anniversary season, it is a soulful celebration of African American culture. Closing the season with this show sets the stage for an exciting 41st season soon to be announced.

Original cast members J. Samuel Davis, Kevin Roston Jr., Leah Stewart and Herman Gordon return.  Joining them in CROSSIN’ OVER and making their Black Rep debuts are Amber Rose, Maureen L. Williams, Michael Lowe and Venezia Manuel.

Director Ron Himes conceived the show, and created it in collaboration with Musical Director Charles Creath, and both will return for this revival.  Scenic Design will be by Jim Burwinkel, Costume Design by Daryl Harris, Lighting Design by Mark Wilson and Tracy D. Holliway-Wiggins is the Stage Manager.