Yale Rep to premiere play about Civil Rights Movement’s ‘forgotten leaders’

Yale Repertory Theatre will stage the world premiere of “Cadillac Crew,” written by Tori Sampson and directed by Jesse Rasmussen, April 26-May 18 at the Yale Rep, 1120 Chapel St. Opening night is Thursday, May 2.

“Cadillac Crew” is set on the day of a much-anticipated speech by Rosa Parks during the height of the Civil Rights Movement. Four activists who are working in a Virginia civil rights office wonder whether the proclamation of equality amongst mankind includes women. In a production that the organizers describe as having “remarkable insight and unexpected humor,” the play reclaims the stories of the forgotten leaders who blazed the trail for desegregation and women’s rights and asks: When will the world be ready to embrace women in all their capacity?

The cast of “Cadillac Crew” includes Dria Brown, Ashley Bryant, Brontë England-Nelson, and Chalia La Tour.

“Cadillac Crew” features scenic design by Jessie Chen, costumes by Matthew R. Malone, lighting by Kathy A. Perkins, sound design and original music by Andrew Rovner, projections by Rasean Davonte Johnson, dramaturgy by Amy Boratko and Sophie Siegel-Warren, technical direction by Alexandra McNamara, vocal and dialect coaching by Ron Carlos, casting by Tara Rubin Casting, and stage management by Olivia Louise Tree Plath.

Production support for “Cadillac Crew” was provided by Yale’s Binger Center for New Theatre.

Tickets for “Cadillac Crew” range from $12-$99 and are available online, by phone at 203-432-1234, and in person at the Yale Rep box office. Student, senior, and group rates are also available.