CHICAGO (WLS) — Ron OJ Parson is best known for his trailblazing career of bringing stories of the Black experience to local stages.
The latest play by the renowned director currently showing at Chicago Shakespeare Theater is “Hymn.” This production has been receiving glowing reviews and enthusiastic applause from the audience.
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Half-brothers meet for the first time in middle-age, and discover what it takes to share their lives.
“It’s not common to see two Black men in their 50s sharing the stage frequently, so when I first read the play, I immediately connected with it,” expressed Parson. “The play emphasizes the importance of unity and love within a family, especially in today’s world.”
He said the title of the play came from church.
“Many of us grew up attending church and singing hymns,” shared Parson. “For me and my colleagues, hymns hold a deep spiritual significance as we resonate with the essence of creating our own sacred hymns through this play.”
Music is used to drive the story.
“We got hip-hop. We got rhythm and blues, jazz, Cameo and Will Smith ‘Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It.’ From the moment you walk in the theater, you’re hearing music of the period, and the five decades of these guys’ lives,” Parson said. “The music, the artistry of these two great actors, the welcoming of Chicago Shakespeare Theater, I just think it’s opening up a new avenue for a universal community appeal to a lot of different people who will experience something new and fresh.”
Parson has worked all over the country.
“Chicago is the greatest theater city in the world. No mistake, I’ve directed all over the country and Canada, and there’s nothing like doing it in Chicago,” Parson said. “All these theaters we have: Storefronts, big ones, little ones, it’s a training ground for the actors, wherever they go. Because, when they start here, when they do things here, no matter what type of career they have, they’re going to remember Chicago.”
“Hymn” is at Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier through May 25.
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