HERO: THE BOY FROM TROY

3rd-5th Grades

Third to fifth grades, only

HERO: THE BOY FROM TROY

School-only performances are by invitation
Thursday, January 29, 2026 • 10 am & 1 pm
Friday, January 30, 2026 • 10 am & 1 pm

Jayden is stuck in detention with a book about Congressman John Lewis, but he thinks that history has nothing to teach him. Together we go on a musical journey through the decades that shows how the heroes in the Civil Rights movement inspired young John Lewis to protest injustice and get into ‘good trouble.’

As a boy, John dreams of being a preacher who can help others. While he doesn’t have a congregation yet, he does have a loyal group of singing chickens that listen to him as he finds his voice. On a harrowing road trip through the South, John’s eyes and mind are opened to the injustices of segregation and racism, inspiring him to take action. As John meets Rosa Parks and Dr. King and ultimately becomes a leader and American hero himself, Jayden learns how he too can take a stand.

From the same creative team as JABARI DREAMS OF FREEDOM, including playwright Nambi E. Kelley and music and lyrics by Joe Plummer, this new musical production was commissioned by Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera’s Gallery of Heroes Program . The national touring production is supported by Development Partner The Center for Performing Arts at Governor State University in University Park, IL.

Event Details
  • Start Date
    Thu • January 29, 2026 10:00 am
  • Audio Description available

    Audio description (AD) is available for this performance. AD provides access to the visual elements of a performance, like action, costumes, sets and gestures. Pick up a headset from the Audience Services Desk at the Lied Center to access this service. For more information, visit reader.ku.edu.

Event Details
  • Start Date
    Thu • January 29, 2026 10:00 am
  • Audio Description available

    Audio description (AD) is available for this performance. AD provides access to the visual elements of a performance, like action, costumes, sets and gestures. Pick up a headset from the Audience Services Desk at the Lied Center to access this service. For more information, visit reader.ku.edu.

Students in the Lawrence school district will be attending the performance for free with their regularly scheduled class and teachers.

Outreach tickets for other community members and students are available by contacting Jake at the ticket office: 785-864-2787.

Of course! We welcome all students and community members to attend.

Outreach tickets for other community members and students are available by contacting Jake at the ticket office: 785-864-2787.

anthea
Anthea Scouffas
Director of Engagement/Education
anthea@ku.edu
 785-864-2795