By Paul Webb (World Premiere)

Directed by Ron Himes

Although the Civil Rights Act of 1964 legally desegregated the South, discrimination was still rampant in certain areas, making it difficult for Blacks to register to vote. In 1965, an Alabama city became the battleground for suffrage. “Hold On!,” the inspiration behind the award-winning 2014 feature film “Selma,” explores the conflict between two extraordinary men, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Lyndon Baines Johnson. Both brilliant leaders, their personal battle, like the battle on the streets of Selma, is ultimately decided by King’s greater moral courage.

This production is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and Washington University in St. Louis, with Opening Night Sponsors Ameren and the Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza Hotel, along with special production support from Caleres and casting support from Peter and Susan Tuteur.