Let the People Sing
"I took down the stories of my people, because I knew y'all would get it wrong."
It’s 1933 and Zora Neale Hurston is in Eatonville, ready to present a musical revue written alongside her ensemble of Black performers. A professor at Rollins has invited the show to campus — not to the newly-built Annie Russell Theatre, but to the Rec Hall. While evidence remains of the event — a program, letters, a breathless review in the student paper — much is undiscovered. Until now. Let the People Sing, the result of a year of research by current Rollins student playwrights, invites audiences to reckon with our shared history and hear Hurston’s voice ring out, finally, from the stage of the Annie Russell.
November 13 – 16, 2025
Annie Russell Theatre
Written by Conner Chaumley '26, Yasmine Hudson '27, and Max Payton '27 with Marianne DiQuattro
Directed by Elizabeth Bell Haynes
Music Direction by Max Payton '27 and Terrance Lane
Choreography by Arius West
Let the People Sing is made possible by generous support from the Thomas P. Johnson Distinguished Visiting Artist program and the Student-Faculty Collaborative Research Program
Performance Dates & Times
Thursday, November 13 at 7:30pm
Friday, November 14 at 7:30pm
Saturday, November 15 at 2pm
Saturday, November 15 at 7:30pm
Sunday, November 16 at 4pm
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What are the content and sensory advisories for this production?
Let the People Sing contains mature language, themes of racism, and references to hate-motivated violence. Our production also features haze/fog.
How long is the show?
Let the People Sing will last approximately two hours, including one intermission.
Which performance of Let the People Sing offers American Sign Language interpretation?
The Saturday, November 15 evening performance of Let the People Sing at 7:30pm will offer American Sign Language interpretation. When booking your tickets, please select the seats labeled, "ASL Seating (Choose if you need accommodations)."
Which performance of Let the People Sing offers audio description for blind and low-vision patrons?
The Saturday, November 15 matinee performance of Let the People Sing at 2pm will offer live audio description. Please contact the box office at (407) 646-2145 to book your seats.
How can I chat with someone to learn more about the show?
Email boxoffice@rollins.edu or call (407) 646-2145.