CHICAGO (WLS) — Ron OJ Parson is best known for his trailblazing career of bringing stories of the Black experience to local stages.
The renowned director is discussing “Hymn,” his newest play currently performing at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, where it is receiving excellent reviews and standing ovations from audiences.
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Half-brothers meet for the first time in middle-age, and discover what it takes to share their lives.
“You rarely see two Black men in their 50s sharing the stage; so, when I encountered the play, I thought, this is my story,” Parson explained. “It’s about the importance of being family and loving each other, now more than ever before.”
He said the title of the play came from church.
“Most of us grew up in the church, where we sang hymns,” Parson said. “For me and the cast, it’s a spiritual experience; we’re expressing our personal hymns.”
Music is used to drive the story.
“We got hip-hop. We got rhythm and blues, jazz, Cameo and Will Smith ‘Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It.’ From the moment you walk in the theater, you’re hearing music of the period, and the five decades of these guys’ lives,” Parson said. “The music, the artistry of these two great actors, the welcoming of Chicago Shakespeare Theater, I just think it’s opening up a new avenue for a universal community appeal to a lot of different people who will experience something new and fresh.”
Parson has worked all over the country.
“Chicago is the greatest theater city in the world. No mistake, I’ve directed all over the country and Canada, and there’s nothing like doing it in Chicago,” Parson said. “All these theaters we have: Storefronts, big ones, little ones, it’s a training ground for the actors, wherever they go. Because, when they start here, when they do things here, no matter what type of career they have, they’re going to remember Chicago.”
“Hymn” is at Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier through May 25.
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