“January 31, 2019 commemorates Jackie Robinson’s 100th birthday. Our production of Jackie and Me is a tribute to Jackie and to all those who continue to stand up against prejudice, discrimination and hate.”
Main Street Theater (MST) celebrates Jackie Robinson’s 100th birthday, his breaking the color barrier, and his impact on the civil rights movement with the powerful play Jackie & Me, based on the modern classic of the same title by Dan Gutman. “Jackie Robinson once said, ‘A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives,’” shares Vivienne M. St. John, MST Theater for Youth Producing Director and Director of Jackie & Me. “We felt nothing would be more fitting than introducing young people to this legendary figure on his 100th birthday through Jackie & Me – not only because of his impact on the game of baseball but also in terms of his equally impactful work for the civil rights movement.” Prince Nnaji takes on the iconic role of Jackie Robinson.
Performances are Sundays, January 27 and February 10 and 17 at 2:30pm at MST’s Midtown location, 3400 Main St. in Matchbox4. All tickets are on sale via phone at 713.524.6706 or online at MainStreetTheater.com. Tickets are $16 – $24.
Main Street Theater offers Accommodations Performances. The performance on January 27 is Sensory-Friendly (accommodations made for less stimulation and resources for children on the Autism Spectrum) as well as Audio-Described (as for a free headset at Will Call). There is an ASL-interpreted performance February 10. Large print playbills are also available at Will Call.
Two Houston Icons Join the Production’s Celebration
On Sunday, February 17 following the matinee, baseball great Grover “Deacon” Jones will share his experiences of meeting Jackie Robinson along with his own personal journey in baseball, including becoming the first African-American recognized by the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY, coaching the Houston Astros from 1976 – 1982, and currently serving as Special Assistant to the President of the Sugar Land Skeeters, Houston’s minor league team. “We are so honored that Mr. Jones will be joining us,” says Vivienne St. John.
Additionally, Houston’s own Christina Wells, semifinalist on Season 13 (2018) of America’s Got Talent, has recorded the Star-Spangled Banner specifically for MST’s production of Jackie & Me. “It is crucial to a particularly poignant moment in the show, and we are thrilled to have Christina help make this moment happen,” shares St. John.
About Jackie & Me
Young Joey Stoshack has the special power to travel through time, so when he’s given an assignment to write a paper about a famous African-American, he chooses Jackie Robinson and heads back to 1947 to meet the man himself. Through his adventures, Joey experiences what it’s like to be African-American during a time of segregation and witnesses first-hand Jackie smashing the color barrier, even when people on his own team are against him. A powerful tale of bravery and integrity. Recommended for 5th Grade and up. Children under the age of 3 (including sleeping babies) not allowed in the theater.
About Main Street Theater
Main Street Theater provides theater experiences for all ages. Founded in 1975, our MainStage produces professional, intimate, literary plays for adults and operates under an Actors’ Equity Association union contract; our Theater for Youth produces professional, engaging productions based on children’s literature for families and school groups, both in-house and on tour around Texas; and we offer Education and Outreach programs on-site and at satellite locations around the Greater Houston area for youth aged 4 – high school. We work out of 2 facilities: our Rice Village home on Times. Blvd., and as part of the MATCH (Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston) on Main Street.
Main Street Theater is a member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national service organization for not-for-profit theaters, of Theatre for Young Audiences/USA (formerly ASSITEJ), the world theatre network of theatre for children and young people, and a founding member of Houston Arts Partners. Main Street Theater is funded in part by grants from the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance, and the Texas Commission on the Arts.
Media Contact Only (not for print publication): Shannon Emerick, Director of Marketing and Communications
713.524.3622 / shannon@mainstreettheater.com
