Voices for Freedom, the Hyers Sisters' Legacy (2017)

In perilous 1870's and 80's, when the troops that had protected African Americans after the Civil War were removed from the South and night riders and lynching terrorized African Americans, The Hyers Sisters (African-American, touring-opera prodigies) stood up against the denigration of their people to become Voices for Freedom. The works that they created integrated casting for the first time, brought the first black leading players to Music Theater, and became the first AMERICAN musicals. These works lovingly changed minds and hearts for 20 years and influenced the musicals to come. Yet The Hyers remain unsung -- 'til now.