SCLC #509 — circa 1980 NYU C.A.T. Back of the Bus program

Finding #509: LOC’s 1980–83 Parks events folder preserves a distinct NYU Creative Arts Team theatrical program, Rosa Parks: Back of the Bus. James Mirrione wrote book/lyrics, James Cummings composed, Devorah Fong directed, and Marian Rolle is explicitly cast as Parks. Other roles: Laezer Alexander as J. P. Blake, Joe Palmore as E. D. Nixon, Anthony F. Chase as Dr. King.

Program notes say twenty-five years had passed since December 1955 — pointing roughly to 1980–81, consistent with the folder’s 1980–83 designation, but neither leaf prints an exact year. The estimate is not an opening date. C.A.T. frames the work as theatre for reflection, not a documentary transcript.

Craft locks: printed cast roster ≠ performance log/venue/run/ticket sales; program ≠ Parks appearance/attendance/approval; distinct from 1975 Selma musical, 1996 Von H. Washington proposal, 1995 Be Boyd one-woman play. LOC mss859430242 leaves 0015–0016.

Source: repo. Standing three hundred forty-three held.