World Premiere
She's relatively unknown today, but without her, today's musical landsape may be very different. Gospel singer and early rock 'n' roll pioneer Sister Rosetta Tharpe is the subject of Marie and Rosetta, a world premiere from writer George Brant (Grounded). Termed a play with music, this show aims to reintroduce audiences to this hugely influential and larger than life figure, who struggled against not only against the racist music business of the 1930 & 40s, but also the churchgoers who were aghast at her brand of guitar-driven gospel. Atlantic Theater Company's Artistic Director Neil Pepe helms the show.
What is Marie and Rosetta About?
One of the 20th Century great forgotten talents, Sister Rosetta Tharpe's brand of gospel tinged with early rock 'n' roll gained her a huge fanbase in the 1930s and 40s, and was an important influence on the likes of Elvis Presley who followed after her. Despite this period of fame, Tharpe would eventually die in an unmarked grave in Philadelphia. Marie and Rosetta centers on Rosetta's first rehearsal with her touring partner Marie Knight, who would go onto become a gosepl icon in her own right.