Charleston Olio

The world at war,
A young love struggles to survive,
And a new music is born!

A fictional romance, grounded in historic fact, Charleston Olio portrays a little known chapter in American history: the black experience of World War I – both the men who went to fight and the women and families who stayed behind to face battles of their own. Real life figures such as music impresario James Reese Europe, the Harlem Hell Fighters and the operatic wonder Sissieretta Jones, are woven throughout and an original score ranging from ragtime to blues and from gospel to jazz celebrates the wellspring of music and dance born from the souls of black folk. On the eve of the Great War’s centennial, Charleston Olio is a unique theatrical experience that will transport contemporary audiences through time into the heart of battle and into the hearts of two young lovers.