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Show Way The Musical


  • John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts 2700 F Street Northwest Washington, DC, 20566 United States (map)

Performances May 13-29, various hours. // Sat., May 21 at 1:30 p.m. is a sensory-friendly performance.

Follow the stitches of a family’s lineage.

Adapted from the book by Jacqueline Woodson                                                                        

Directed by Schele Williams

Music by Tyrone L. Robinson

Soonie's great-grandma was just seven years old when she was sold to a big plantation without her ma and pa, with only some fabric and needles to call her own. She began to stitch a Show Way, a quilt with secret meanings to show enslaved people the way to freedom. As each generation passes, the Show Way shines a light on the past and paves a road to the future, stitching together possibility and promise.

Education Artist-in-Residence JACQUELINE WOODSON’s Newbery-winning book of history, love, and resilience becomes a world premiere stage adaptation with new music by TYRONE L. ROBINSON and directed by SCHELE WILLIAMS. This moving, lyrical account based on Woodson’s own family pays tribute to women whose strength and knowledge illuminate their daughters’ lives—from enslavement to freedom, through segregation, freedom marches, and the fight for literacy.

Most enjoyed by 7+

Later Event: May 13
MDSP Spring Performance