Washington Post - Highly Recommended
"...To the grace notes in the oratory of 19th-century abolitionist Frederick Douglass, you can now add beguiling new ones, courtesy of the 21st-century composer Marcus Hummon. The songwriter infuses "American Prophet," the exquisitely sung, melody-rich world premiere at Arena Stage, with gorgeous hymns that contextualize Douglass's rise as a voice of conscience for a divided nation."
DC Theater Arts - Highly Recommended
"...How he got there, and what his journey felt and sounded like, is the subject of American Prophet. When Douglass (Cornelius Smith Jr.) speaks, he does so in words that Charles Randolph-Wright and Marcus Hummon selected from Douglass’ prodigious writings. Smith’s eloquent delivery of Douglass’ words, such as his famous “Fourth of July” speech, is as good a representation of the power of Douglass’ rhetoric as a 21st-century audience is likely to encounter in person."
MetroWeekly - Recommended
"...As famous and fiery an orator as 19th-century America ever produced, Frederick Douglass carved his name into history — and onto bridges and avenues yet to be built — through the power and rightness of his words."
Talkin Broadway - Somewhat Recommended
"...Frederick Douglass (1818-1895)-escaped slave, orator, author, leader of the U.S. abolition movement-lived an extraordinary and influential life and the speeches he wrote and presented remain vital today. At times, American Prophet: Frederick Douglass in His Own Words, the musical receiving its world premiere in the Kreeger Theater at Washington's Arena Stage, lives up to the accomplishments of its subject; at others it is disappointingly prosaic."
Washington Blade - Somewhat Recommended
"...In “American Prophet,” a biographical musical now premiering at Arena Stage, co-creators Marcus Hummon and Charles Randolph-Wright have intentionally relied heavily on Douglass’s written words with mixed results. In both dialogue and lyrics, the great orator’s fearless opines are present, sometimes they spark and crackle, soar and inspire, and other times they’re not enough."
Washington Informer - Highly Recommended
"...Charles Randolph-Wright (Arena's "Born for This: The BeBe Winans Story," Broadway's "Motown the Musical") returns to Arena Stage with a groundbreaking musical powered by Frederick Douglass' own speeches and writings. Coupled with soaring new melodies and an original script from Grammy-winning songwriter Marcus Hummon and Randolph-Wright, Douglass rises as a fierce abolitionist and distinguished orator. Filled with an electrifying new score, this world premiere celebrates the revolutionary legacy of one of history's first freedom fighters, whose fire is needed now more than ever."
MD Theatre Guide - Highly Recommended
"...This powerful, new musical speaks to contemporary America's ongoing racial animosity in the words of an American prophet-words that still ring true, still exert a raw power, and can still convince us that "we need a fire." If you only see one show this summer, make it "American Prophet.""
BroadwayWorld - Highly Recommended
"...A provocative and inspiring new musical, American Prophet: Frederick Douglass In His Own Words, premieres at Arena Stage now through August 28th. Created by Charles Randolph-Wright (Motown the Musical) and Grammy Award-winning songwriter Marcus Hummon, American Prophet pulls directly from Douglass's expansive archive of speeches, writings, and autobiographies to tell the story of his ascension to the status of legendary abolitionist, orator, and author by which he is recognized today. More than a mere retelling of Douglass's life, American Prophet is a stirring tale about love, community, hope, and resilience against all odds--with a full roster of phenomenal musical numbers to boot."
Theatrely - Somewhat Recommended
"...Watching Smith deliver excerpts of “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July”—in isolation, drained historical context—I finally understood why American Prophet just wasn’t clicking for me. The musical, while made with the best intentions, simply doesn’t go far enough to get under its audience’s skin as Douglass’ actual speeches do."
