Opens Friday
White transparent logo for Asolo Rep's production of Marie and Rosetta.

By George Brant Featuring the Music of Rosetta Tharpe and Marie Knight Directed by E. Faye Butler

About Marie and Rosetta

A huge influence on Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, Johnny Cash, and Jimi Hendrix, Sister Rosetta Tharpe was a legend in her time. Her fierce guitar, magnetic stage presence, and swinging style transformed traditional gospel music, earning her the honorary title: godmother of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Marie and Rosetta chronicles 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 and Rosetta” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals
on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

Run Dates

May 6 – May 31, 2026

Location

Cook Theatre

“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

Cast

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Show Credits and Creative Team

George Brant Writer
Rosetta Tharpe & Marie Knight Music
E. Faye Butler Director
Peter Rothstein Producing Artistic Director
Ross Egan Managing Director
Mahmoud Khan Music Direction
Larry Brown Guitarist
John Culbert Scenic Designer
Jared Gooding Lighting Designer
Michelle Hart Hair, Wig, and Makeup Designer
McKinley Johnson Costume Designer
Lydia Konings Production Assistant
Kaitlin Kitzmiller Stage Manager
Rick Sims Sound Designer
Kevin Jinghong Zhu Replacement Stage Manager

Sponsors

Season Sponsors

Logo for the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation. Logo for the Gulf Coast Community Foundation Robert Hassmer Charitable Fund. Logo for the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

Show Sponsors

Logo for Sarasota Polo. Logo for WEDU, a PBS television station in Tampa, Florida. Logo for Curated Catering Events.