FREDERICK!

FREDERICK! The Frederick Douglass Musical brings the extraordinary life and legacy of Frederick Douglass to the stage through energetic music, and engaging storytelling.

Created by Milwaukee artist and educator Ja’Rahn Leveston with producer and co-creator Gregory Lathe, Frederick! The Frederick Douglass Musical follows the remarkable journey of one of America’s most influential voices for freedom, equality, and justice. Through music, movement, and a fast-paced ensemble story, audiences experience Douglass not simply as a figure from history, but as a young man who discovered his voice, found his purpose, and chose to use it to make a difference.

From his childhood in slavery to his emergence as an author, abolitionist, and advocate, Frederick! explores the people, choices, and moments that shaped his legacy—and asks what his story means for us today.

Developed with Milwaukee students, educators, and professional artists, Frederick! continues its journey from the schools to the professional stage, inviting a growing audience to discover the power of knowing your story, finding your voice, and using it to change the world.

Quotes

“We’ve been the ones we’ve been waiting for!”

— Frederick, All in One Moment

“If I was gon’ be free I would have to learn to read.”

— Young Frederick