The cast of "How I Got Over"
It’s been a long three months for the staff at Jubilee Theatre.
Just before the theater’s premiere of “How I Got Over” in March, the COVID-19 pandemic forced Jubilee to temporarily close. Then, two months later, news circulated about the death of George Floyd, prompting citywide protests that would especially hit home for the theater dedicated to telling stories of African Americans.
Both events only make Jubilee’s reopening on Friday more significant — on top of it being Juneteenth, the holiday that commemorates the ending of slavery in the U.S., and Jubilee’s 39th birthday, says artistic director D. Wambui Richardson.
“This is our continued response to the social unrest in the world,” he says. “How do we show these stories in a way that — regardless of race, color, class, creed, orientation, or any other box that you check — you can see a universal line, a humanity in that story that transcends color?”
The themes of “How I Got Over” aren’t too far from what’s happening in the world today. The musical tells the story of gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, who returns home after participating in protests alongside Martin Luther King Jr. When she reunites with the members of her church, she’s met with mixed reactions — some supporting her efforts and others questioning the point of it all.
“It becomes this deeper conversation of, when is the right time to stand? And who should do the standing? Is it the responsibility of one generation to stand or all of us to stand?” Richardson says. “All of that is wrapped together using gospel music.”
During the lockdown, the show’s cast and crew continued rehearsals virtually. Actors followed video recordings of the choreography and blocking at home while running lines together over video chat.
This past Saturday, everyone gathered at the theater for their first in-person rehearsal in three months — with safety precautions, of course. Cast and crew must now wear masks and pass temperature screenings before coming inside. Everyone also gets their own personal hand sanitizer, personal steamer for costumes, and individual laundry bags to avoid items coming in contact with one another.
Jubilee is also adhering to the state’s 50% capacity rule, locking its ticket portal at 74 seats. Red and green markings on chairs indicate where audiences can and cannot sit. The theater is also doing away with selected seats for the time being, instead opening 45 minutes before showtime and encouraging patrons to come early to save their spots.
All patrons must also wear face masks and undergo a temperature screening before entry.
“[We] know it’s not going to be the same as it was before,” Richardson says. “But we can still have a taste of it, just being in the same room together, to hear each other speak again, to dance together, to tell a story together.”
The show runs through July 19. Ticket information is available on JubiIee Theatre’s website.
