Name and title
Frederick Douglass is one of the most famous writers and abolitionists in American history, and his stature as a D.C. hero keeps growing, too (Hello, Douglass Commonwealth?).
Now, the life of Douglass is headed to the stage right in the District. The musical “American Prophet” is making its pre-Broadway debut until Aug. 28 at Arena Stage.
“American Prophet” is built around the abolitionist’s own words via speeches and writings, then adds an incredible soundtrack.
Cornelius Smith Jr. is the man charged with bringing Douglass to life on stage. Tommy talked to Smith about the show.
Q: You're playing Frederick Douglass in the world premiere of “American Prophet.” No pressure. How are you feeling about this role?
A: You know, I am feeling pretty, pretty grateful, pretty optimistic, excited for the opportunity and you know, it's Frederick Douglass. So, to be able to play such a character who is really a part of the fabric of American history, it's really been a joy and an honor.
Q: What can you tell us about the production?
A: It's been a long time in the making. I first got connected to the project since before the pandemic…
The interesting thing to note is that we're focusing on Frederick Douglass and his younger years. I think when a lot of people, including myself, when we think about Frederick Douglass, what comes to mind is the older statesman with the white hair, you know, in his late fifties, sixties. You know, Frederick Douglass, that image that a lot of them have from the textbooks.
We're actually focused on his earlier years… early to mid-, late thirties. Right when he was kind of this young man really in this pivotal point of discovering and unearthing who we know him as today: This great kind of prophet, this great abolitionist, this great leader and fighter for freedom.
Q: What is the thing you learned about Frederick Douglass that you're telling everybody at a cocktail party?
A: He traveled the world giving speeches. Just that statement right there: He traveled the world period. To be able to travel the world in that time, that's just a lot of time and commitment on the road. It just really kind of speaks to his commitment, and the load that he was carrying and endured in speaking every day.
Q: Why would D.C. be a city where shows make a pre-Broadway debut?
A: D.C. is a place full of history and it goes back to years and years, just the community is so rich.
The community in D.C. is really diverse. And so, we get a number of different kinds of opinions and perspectives, which is helpful to kind of help shape the work before it goes to New York. Because it’s a process we're always refining. We're always rehearsing. We're always changing, tweaking.
Responses have been edited for length and clarity.