Mosaic Theater Company Brings the Story of a Civil Rights Icon to Life with Young John Lewis

Mosaic Theater Company is inviting DC audiences to make some “Good Trouble” this spring with Young John Lewis, a new musical that brings the early life of the late Congressman John Lewis to the stage. Performances begin March 26 at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, and the run has been extended through May 3, giving theatergoers more chances to experience a story rooted in courage, community, and the power of collective action.

Young John Lewis presented by Mosaic Theater at Atlas Performing Arts Center

Written by Mosaic’s Playwright-in-Residence Psalmayene 24, the musical spotlights Lewis during the formative decade that shaped him into one of the most influential figures of the Civil Rights Movement. Centering on ages 18 to 28, the show explores the private person behind the public icon—capturing the doubts, losses, and turning points that propelled a young man toward a lifetime of service. The narrative traces the spark of activism that followed the murder of Emmett Till, then follows Lewis as he steps into organizing and leadership, including his work with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and his fight for Civil Rights alongside the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The production is presented in partnership with the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation and the John R. Lewis Legacy Institute, underscoring the show’s connection to both history and the living legacy of Lewis’s message.

“At Mosaic, we believe in theater’s power to imagine the world not just as it is, but as it could be — a vibrant, unified mosaic that centers diversity,” said Reginald L. Douglas, Artistic Director of Mosaic Theater Company. “The lessons and lives of trailblazers like the late Congressman John Lewis help light that path. Sharing his story on a stage in the nation’s capital is vital. Through doubt, setbacks, and violence, Lewis led with love — a revolutionary belief that kindness, nonviolence, and peace can counter hate. This musical invites us to draw strength from that courage so we can stand in our own moment of good trouble, grounded in empathy, community, and joy.”

That sense of urgency and relevance is baked into the show’s very approach. Young John Lewis isn’t presented as a museum piece—it’s built to feel immediate, alive, and resonant for audiences navigating their own tumultuous moment. The musical frames Lewis’s story as both a call to action and a reminder that age is never a barrier to impact. It’s an origin story, but it’s also a mirror, asking what it means to stand up, speak out, and stay rooted in humanity when the stakes are high.

“Young John Lewis is a powerful and timely work that brings Congressman Lewis’s formative years to life, inspiring new generations to embrace the legacy of good trouble, courage, and unwavering commitment to justice,” said Michael E. Collins, Interim President and Board Chair, John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation.

The production features original music by Grammy-nominated and Guggenheim Fellow Kokayi and is directed by Reginald L. Douglas. The creative pairing signals a musical language that reaches across generations—honoring the era Lewis lived through while building a sound that can speak directly to today’s audiences. “I feel extremely honored to work on this production. When Psalm first reached out about composing music for Young John Lewis, we spoke at length about his intent for the piece: songs rooted in hip-hop traditions that carry the spirit and urgency of the civil rights movement,” shared composer Kokayi. “My hope is that audiences experience the deep resonance between these two cultures: the historical parallels in their messaging and the ways in which both exist within the broader contributions of the African diaspora to global culture. The music moves as a pedagogy of protest, mediated through rhythm and Psalm’s lyrics — forms I hope will live with audiences as anthems long after they leave the theater. I deeply appreciate the trust the entire team has placed in me to create this work, and I’m especially grateful to Psalm for his openness and willingness to collaborate in reimagining his music for Young John Lewis: Prodigy of Protest.”

Psalmayene 24 approaches the piece with both reverence and intimacy, aiming to make Lewis’s presence feel close enough to touch. “It’s an enormous privilege to have the opportunity to examine and celebrate the consequential early years of John Lewis through Young John Lewis: Prodigy of Protest. To have this production at Mosaic — my home theater — is a double privilege,” stated playwright Psalmayene 24. “In researching and writing this musical, the spirit of John Lewis has become a palpable presence in my life. When audiences experience this piece, my hope is that they too will be able to feel this extraordinary man’s soul. As we collectively navigate this tumultuous American moment, I think John Lewis’s early life has much to teach us about how people can effectively traverse and conquer troubling times. One of the primary goals of this musical is to make young John’s story leap off the stage and into the hearts of audience members. Thank you, John Lewis, for living a perpetually inspirational life and thank you for demonstrating that peace can be more powerful than violence.”

On stage, the story is brought to life by a cast that embodies not only Lewis, but the many figures and forces that shaped the era. The musical stars Michael Bahsil-Cook (Young John), Montel Butler (Jim Lawson/A. Philip Randolph/Ensemble), Christian Emmanuel (Emmett Till/Ensemble), Jordan Essex (Stokely Carmichael/Bayard Rustin/Ensemble), Kit Krull (Joan T. Mulholland/Waitress/Ensemble), Vaughn Midder (Medgar Evers/Eddie/Ensemble), Latrice Pace (Willie Mae/Ella Baker/Ensemble), Solomon Parker (Reverend Doctor/Hosea Williams/Ensemble), Nia Savoy-Dock (Diane Nash/Mamie Till/Ensemble), and Harrison Smith (Bobby Kennedy/Ensemble). With performers stepping into multiple roles, the production can move fluidly through pivotal moments—building a theatrical tapestry of the people, grief, hope, and determination that fueled a movement.

Beyond the performances, Mosaic is also extending the conversation offstage through its Reflection Series, a slate of community conversations, performances, and special events that began in October 2025 and continues through April 2026. Designed to deepen engagement with the themes of the musical while celebrating DC’s civic and cultural life, the series brings events across all eight wards—echoing Lewis’s belief that democracy is lived locally, through participation and community.

Young John Lewis: Prodigy of Protest runs March 26 – May 3, 2026 in the Sprenger Theatre at Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002. Tickets range from $42-$70.