Owls are everywhere… even in a Tony Award-winning rock musical!
The Wilma Theater is putting on the musical of a lifetime, Passing Strange, a story of a rebellious young black man as he journeys to Europe in search of something “real.” The music takes center stage as the audience travels from gospel-soaked South Central LA, through psychedelic Amsterdam, to militant Berlin and back. This incendiary musical is a rowdy salve for turbulent times: a young punk screaming in defiance of the void, with a thrilling onstage band.
Temple students might see some familiar faces in the Wilma’s electric musical.
Lindsay Smiling, a Temple alum and staff member in Temple University’s School of Theater, Film and Media Arts and Savannah Jackson, a Temple student are featured in the energized ensemble.
Lindsay Smiling, a member of Wilma’s HotHouse company, plays a variety of wacky characters as the settings change in the show. Smiling goes from playing the eccentric choir director, Mr. Franklin in Los Angeles, to laid back, free hippie, Joop in Amsterdam, to stern Nowhaus member, Hugo in Berlin.
Temple students might remember Savannah Jackson in her role of Reggie during in the adored production of Kristoffer Diaz’s Reggie Hoops from Temple Theater’s 2016-2017 season.
In Passing Strange, Savannah Jackson also goes through a character journey. The Temple student starts the show playing “choir girl next door,” Edwina Williams, and concludes it as Sudabey, an avant-garde filmmaker. Jackson’s role as Marianna, a hippie the main character, “Youth,” encounters in Amsterdam, is a gift to the show. Her vocals in “Keys” echoes through the theater and solidifies her stunning capabilities as both an actress and musician.
From January 10th through February 18th, The Wilma Theater is showcasing Passing Strange.
Student tickets are only $10.
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