The Moment Was Now Has its Moment:
World Premier draws Crowds and Wows

The Moment Was Now ran for seven shows in September in Baltimore to large and enthusiastic audiences who sang, clapped and even cried and stayed for post-show discussions.

One national labor leader a called it “a historical masterpiece.”

One grandmother, whose 9-year-old granddaughter was captivated by the music and the show, said it has “great potential in my home schooling work and could help in creating a curriculum for different age groups. “

A railroad worker who drove with a group from his union (BMWE/IBT) from Philadelphia, said: It was very well done, I truly enjoyed it. However, my wife now reminds me about 6 times a day that “women hold up half the sky” (the chorus of a song sung by Susan B Anthony)

Anne Haddad said in a review (www.welcometobaltimorehon.com) “the music in The Moment Was Now is inspired by blues, R&B, rap, and even opera . . . [performed by] asmall but powerful music ensemble that elevated the whole show.”

The unusual format, content and affordable ticket prices drew people from as far away as San Francisco, as well as from Boston, New Jersey and Ohio. The audiences included many people from Maryland who don’t often go to theater: affordable housing activists; returning citizens; a large group of retired hospital workers (1199/SEIU), as well as many progressive organizers and activists and of course the Baltimore theater going audiences.

The Moment Was Now is an original musical play that takes place in post-civil war Baltimore in 1869, a turning point in US history where America almost did the right thing. Echoing the current moment, the play centers around the impassioned search for unity between the dynamic historic leaders of powerful movements during Reconstruction. The conflicts and possibilities unfold at a fictional meeting convened by Frederick Douglass and are elevated by the musical and spoken word format.

This most unusual gathering consists of suffragette, abolitionist Susan B. Anthony; Black trade union leader Isaac Myers; African American feminist, author and abolitionist Frances Harper; and Irish National Labor Union president William Sylvis. Railroad Kingpin Jay Gould lurks in the background. Hope hangs in the balance

WATCH A VIDEO BY THE PLAYWRIGHT

“… This is creative genius at its best… compelling drama, a moving historical and poetic epic of inspiration which remind us that there is nothing new under the Sun… it teaches us that even courage is timeless in the face of strident opposition… Courage… will always lead to positive change and transformation especially in a democracy challenged by hypocrisy when right is in plain sight.” - Clarence L. Johnson, Senior Minister-Pastor Mills Grove Christian Church, Oakland, California

Showtimes and Dates

Stay tuned for the next round of performances: Coming to Baltimore in late February and early March.