About The Show

May 6 – May 31, 2026
Previews May 6 - 7
Open May 8
Cook Theatre

By George Brant
Featuring the Music of Rosetta Tharpe and Marie Knight
Directed by E. Faye Butler
Music Direction by Abdul-Hamid Royal-Garrett Johnson Esq.

A huge influence on Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, Johnny Cash and Jimi Hendrix, Sister Rosetta Tharpe was a legend in her time, adding fierce guitar and swing to traditional gospel music, becoming the mother of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Marie and Rosetta chronicle her first rehearsal with a young protégée, Marie Knight, as they prepare to embark on a tour that would establish them as one of the great duos in music history.

“Marie Knight and Rosetta Tharpe provided the foundation for Rock ‘n’ Roll. They also gifted the world with the foundation for this can’t-miss show.”   - Chicago Sun-Times