Big Quarterly, a hip-hop gospel musical, spotlights the legacy of Peter Spencer – formerly enslaved, he rose to found the nation’s first wholly independent Black church in 1813 and sparked the Big Quarterly–a joyful reunion for freedom in Delaware that still exists to this day. For those not yet free, Big Quarterly was an opportunity to secure passage on the Underground Railroad. Perpetually haunted by deep childhood wounds in the face of outer powers, Peter’s private battles threaten to unravel his life’s great mission. Through the grace of God, he discovers the underground family secrets that provide him a path to truly be free.
Directed by Jōvan Dansberry.
The concert of BIG QUARTERLY will support the 20th anniversary season of New York Theatre Barn. The company's work on BIG QUARTERLY continues its relationship with the BerkleeNYC Writing and Production for Musical Theater program, having supported the development of the original musicals SUNKEN CATHEDRAL, MAGIA, and 90 SECONDS. The company will also celebrate BerkleeNYC's innovative writing program and will honor Program Director and award-winning writer Julianne Wick-Davis.
New York Theatre Barn continues their collaboration with the writers, S. Todd Townsend, Kim Kilby, and Luke McLemore. Last year, the show was featured in New York Theatre Barn's Choreography Lab, where director/choreographer Jōvan Dansberry serendipitously joined the creative team.
