'Hero: The Boy From Troy' Celebrates the Legacy of John Lewis at WHBPAC

A compelling new musical, “Hero: The Boy From Troy,” will bring to life the inspiring journey of civil rights icon John Lewis at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center on February 7 at 7 p.m. This production, written by acclaimed playwright Nambi E. Kelley with music and lyrics by Joe Plummer, offers audiences of all ages a profound exploration of Lewis’s early life and his transformative path to becoming a national leader in the fight for justice.

The narrative follows Jayden, a young student who, while in detention, discovers a book about Congressman John Lewis. Initially dismissive, Jayden embarks on a musical journey through the decades, witnessing how figures like Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. inspired a young Lewis to challenge injustice and engage in “good trouble.” Audiences will experience pivotal moments from Lewis’s youth, including his early aspirations of preaching to his “congregation” of chickens, a revealing road trip through the segregated South and his encounters with key civil rights leaders. Through these experiences, both Jayden and the audience learn the importance of standing up against injustice.

“This musical is not just a recounting of history; it’s an invitation for young audiences to find their own voices and recognize their potential to effect change,” said WHBPAC marketing director Heather Draskin.

“Hero: The Boy From Troy” was commissioned by Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera’s Gallery of Heroes Program and is produced by First Woman, a production company founded by award-winning playwright, actress and screenwriter Nambi E. Kelley. The national touring production is supported by The Center for Performing Arts at Governor State University in University Park, Illinois.

Tickets are $20 at whbpac.org, 631-288-1500, or the box office at 76 Main Street in Westhampton Beach.