Dessa Rose at the Trafalgar Studios

Trafalgar Studio One, 14 Whitehall, London, SW1A 2DY

The European premiere of Dessa Rose, from the writers of Ragtime, comes to the Trafalgar Studios starring Cynthia Erivo and Cassidy Janson.

Dessa Rose is the acclaimed musical from the award-winning writers of Ragtime, Lynn Ahrens (book and lyrics) and Stephen Flaherty (music).

Coming to the Trafalgar Studios from 29 July 2014, the show features rising stars Cynthia Erivo (The Colour Purple, Sister Act, I Can’t Sing!) and Cassidy Janson (Candide, Avenue Q).

Based on the best-selling book by Sherley Anne Williams, Dessa Rose is a powerful story set in 1846 about two young women, one black and one white, who are both searching for acceptance in an intolerant world.

Featuring music from blues and folk to hymns and gospel, Dessa Rose blends history and fiction in this hugely powerful and touching production.

THE STORY

Dessa Rose (Cynthia Erivo) is a young slave faced with a life of intense hardship in the deep South of America because of the colour of her skin. Ruth (Cassidy Janson) is a young white mother who faces discrimination because of her gender. Together they stand up to a barrage of hostility in their search for acceptance and discover the true value of unconditional friendship.

THE CAST

Cynthia Erivo, Cassidy Janson, John Addison, Edward Baruwa, Sharon Benson, Miquel Brown, Alexander Evans, Cameron Leigh, Fela Lufadeju, Gabriel Mokake, Abiona Omonua and Jon Robyns.