Young John Lewis Brims with Energy, Despite Rough Edges

Mosaic's lively staging brings John Lewis' early activism to life with energy and soul, though its lyrics don't always rise to the occasion.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 4:21pm

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Mosaic Theater's new musical "Young John Lewis: Prodigy of Protest" traces the late congressman's journey from ordinary Black teen in the segregated South to influential firebrand of the Civil Rights Movement. The show aims to inspire with the power of one person to galvanize many and make change, though its lyrics can feel didactic at times.

Why it matters

The musical's portrait of the activist as a young man resonates as a timely look at the origins of a towering figure in the fight for civil rights, whose life and legacy continue to inspire new generations of leaders.

The details

Tracing Lewis' path from the brutal killing of Emmett Till to his meeting with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Montgomery, the show features a talented cast delivering persuasive characterizations, lively group numbers, and searing gospel-tinged vocals. While the lyrics can be uneven, the music by composer Kokayi movingly bridges the sounds of 1950s-60s protest with contemporary beats and rhymes.

  • In 1955, the brutal killing of Emmett Till sparks the 15-year-old John Lewis' revolutionary fire.
  • Young John writes a letter to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. seeking advice after being denied admission to Troy University.
  • Young John meets with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in his Montgomery office.

The players

John Lewis

The late congressman whose extraordinary journey from ordinary Black teen in the segregated South to influential firebrand of the Civil Rights Movement is the focus of the musical.

Emmett Till

The 14-year-old from Chicago who was kidnapped, beaten, and lynched in Mississippi, becoming a patron saint of the burgeoning Civil Rights Movement.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The influential civil rights leader who advises the young John Lewis in Montgomery.

Stokely Carmichael

The anti-capitalist activist who engages Young John in a lively rap battle over reform versus revolution.

Bobby Kennedy

The politician who prods the young John Lewis into considering running for office someday.

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What they’re saying

“What Do I Do Now?”

— Young John Lewis

“Gotta Do Something”

— Young John Lewis

“that's why I invited you here to my office in Montgomery.”

— Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

What’s next

The musical ends before Young John Lewis enters elected politics himself, leaving the audience with the feeling that this young activist has a big future ahead of him in seeking civil rights and making "Good Trouble" further down the line.

The takeaway

Young John Lewis' courageous and purposeful life story, as portrayed in this spirited musical production, serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of one person to galvanize many and make transformative change, even in the face of adversity.