In the setting of a talk show, an upcoming original stage play in Lawrence will impart Martin Luther King Jr.’s belief in community strength.
When describing what she hopes audience members take away from her work, Lawrence playwright and director Rita Rials’ mantra is “What comes from the heart touches the heart.”
Her original production, “The Lion and the Lamb: The Pursuit for a Brighter Tomorrow,” is inspired by MLK Jr.’s 1964 Nobel Peace Prize speech.
Rita, the cast and the crew are in their final stretch ahead of the show, staged in partnership between Life Restoration Ministries (LRM) Foundation Theatre and the Lied Center. LRM Foundation was founded in 2007 by Rita’s sister Nicole Rials, a Lawrence therapist.
“I’m always just inspired by her ability to deliver these types of messages in so many creative forms,” Nicole said of Rita.
Rita’s original production around Juneteenth in 2024 featured a fashion show. “The Lion and the Lamb: The Pursuit of a Brighter Tomorrow” will be LRM Foundation’s sixth production in its Lied Center partnership. It’ll be the third annual one in celebration of MLK Jr. Day.
In the production, talk show host character Benny T gleans lessons from guests. He learns that love and kindness can make change.
As a vocalist, Nicole will add musical elements to the show. Additionally, two Native American powwow dancers, Sara Bointy and Darrell Hill Jr., will perform.
“Dr. King is associated with the legacy and the work and the help that he provided to Black people, to African Americans,” Nicole said. “But we also understand that he supported all cultures, so we are putting part of the focus on this particular production around our Native American community, brothers and sisters, and sharing their stories as well.”
Nicole said two youth who participated in three-day LRM Foundation camp over the summer were cast in the show. The camp taught youth about theater and incorporating mental health into artistic expression, she said.
Actors include Elwood Ott, Tyson Williams, Shelby Bointy, Peyton Johnson, Victoria Barbee, Stefanie Sissoko, Amani Carroll, Rakeisha Pringle and Kimberly Allen.
“We were really blessed and fortunate to have the right group of people to deliver this powerful message,” Nicole said. “I believe it’s important even in where we are today as a nation that people find a way to be inspired.”
The show premieres at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18 at the Lied Center, 1600 Stewart Drive in Lawrence. It’ll run until approximately 9 p.m.
Tickets cost $15 for youth and college students and $25 for adults and can be purchased at ticketweb.lss.ku.edu, via the Lied Center’s website. There is an additional $5 fee to purchase online.
Tickets can also be purchased in person through the Lied Center’s ticket office, open from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays or by calling 785-864-2787.
A short video on LRM Foundation’s Facebook page shares a message about the show. Cast member biographies are also posted on the Facebook page.
Learn more about the production on its Facebook event page, or on the Lied Center’s website, lied.ku.edu.
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Maya Hodison (she/her), equity reporter, can be reached at mhodison@lawrencekstimes.com. Read more of her work for the Times here. Check out her staff bio here.
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