A powerful chronicle of the life and music of Paul Robeson, taking us from his childhood in New Jersey to his adult life around the world.
An All-American athlete and a lawyer with Columbia Law School credentials, Robeson comes face to face with racism in America. Realizing he could not practice as a lawyer, Robeson turns to singing, which leads to acting and his acting leads him around the world.
After spending time in Europe, he returns to the United States, but is accused of being a Communist, an agitator and much more. He is blacklisted and his passport is revoked. But, as the social climate finally begins to change, Robeson perseveres, achieving the glory and respect he rightly earned along the way.
CST takes the Pick of the Fringe
Robert McNichols, Jr's performance as Paul Robeson garnered the Pick of the Fringe Award from the BedFringe Festival in the UK this summer. Awarded by the Bedfringe Festival Organizers, this is CST's first International Award
Directed by Bob Paisley, Sound and Light Design by John Story
Robert McNichols Jr. - Paul Robeson
Baritone, Cellist, and Conductor McNichols' recent engagements include singing Mister in The Color Purple at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre and conducting the Black Musical Arts Community Choir in concert at the Warwick Theatre. He was the bass soloist in Handel's Messiah with the Southern Symphonic Orchestra and Chorus, and the role of Timur in Turandot with Ozarks Lyric Opera. In 2020 Robert performed virtually as a guest cello soloist with Boone Tabernacle Church, Friendship Baptist Church, and in An Evening with Roger's and Hammerstein with Music Theater Heritage. He is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Black Musical Arts Community Choir of Kansas City, and Manager of Education & Community Programs for Music Theater Heritage.