“JED” is a new family musical based upon the Coretta Scott King Award-winning book and Reading Rainbow favorite, “Uncle Jed’s Barbershop” (option secured), written by Margaree King Mitchell and illustrated by James Ransome.
Book by Cheryl Davis (click for more information)
Music and Lyrics by David Wohl
Margaree King Mitchell, Author of the underlying book, “Uncle Jed’s Barbershop”:
I absolutely loved it! Seeing the characters I created come to life is simply amazing. The songs draw you into the story from the very beginning. I laughed! I cried! If you loved the book, you must see the show! You will love the show even if you haven’t read the book!
Synopsis Development History Song Samples
SYNOPSIS
In 1962, Sarah Jean Carter leaves Detroit and her secure but dead-end job at a bank to return to her childhood home in Arkansas because her beloved elderly Uncle Jed has fallen ill. She finds herself torn between her determination to escape back North ASAP and her stubborn Uncle and his dream of building his own barbershop. The show goes from 1928, when child Sarah Jean tags along with ambitious and entrepreneurial Jed, to 1962, when she is a woman who dismisses the importance of dreams. Jed and Sarah Jean push each other and their relationship to the breaking point, as each one stubbornly insists they know what is best for the other. Ultimately, they create a path forward together, one that opens up new possibilities for their family and others in their community, and that brings new life to their old dreams.
DEVELOPMENT HISTORY
2021 Rensing Center, writing residency
2020 Reading, New York, sponsored by The Farm
2019 Ragdale Writers Retreat, Finalist
2019 Rhinebeck Writers Retreat, Finalist
2018 Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, writing residency
Synopsis Song Samples
