Abyssinia

Music by Ted Kociolek

Lyrics by James Racheff

Book by James Racheff and Ted Kociolek
Based on the novel Marked By Fire by Joyce Carol Thomas

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Abyssinia Jackson is born during a tornado in Stillwater, Oklahoma at the turn of the last century. Blessed with a gift of song and a voice that thrills and delights the entire community, Abby is brought up in the bosom of the church and under the watchful eye of Mother Vera, a folk-healer. Like Job, Abby is fated to undergo a series of trials that all but shatter her faith. Her journey from despair to wisdom is a timeless, as well as timely, parable that cuts across color lines and religious beliefs.

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Cast of 14 (8 Women, 6 Men)

 

"ABYSSINIA ... has the simplicity of folk tale and the power of myth. Suffused with enough energy to run a small star, it takes on humanity's basic question—why bad things happen to good people—looks at it head on and responds with a flood of life-affirming joy..." (Cleveland Plain Dealer, 11/18/91)

 

"ABYSSINIA is a stunning musical that delivers powerful messages...It deserves Broadway." (Chicago Tribune, 8/19/88)