Young John Lewis
book & lyrics By psalmayene 24
MUSIC BY KOKAYI
DIRECTED BY Reginald L. Douglas
March 26-April 26, 2026
It’s time to make some Good Trouble! In this new musical, Mosaic’s Playwright-in-Residence Psalmayene 24 honors the legendary “Conscience of Congress”: the late Congressman John Lewis.
Focusing on the Congressman’s formative years of ages 18-28, Young John Lewis reveals the humanity and heart of this mighty historic figure. The musical explores how the murder of Emmett Till motivated Lewis to pursue a life of service, including leading the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, fighting for Civil Rights with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and working for nearly two decades in Congress.
A theatrical event not to be missed, Young John Lewis is both a galvanizing call to action and an inspiring reminder that we can all make a difference, no matter our age.
Young John Lewis is supported by Partners Circle Visionary Jeffrey Z. Slavin and Champions Jordan Bookey & Felix Lloyd, The Bookey Family Foundation, Ken Grossinger & Micheline Klagsbrun, Herbert & Dianne Lerner, Leslie Scallet Lieberman, Believers Susan Clampitt & Jeremy Waltezky, Activists Phyllis & Barry Caldwell, Stephanie Phillips & George Murray, Bill Tompkins & Dana Brewington, Julie & David Zalkind, Advocates David Grosso & Serra Sippel, Steven Clay & Mike Smith, Mimi Conway & Dennis Houlihan, Stephen Riddick & Adrienne Edisis, Myrna Sislen & Bill Rice, Stephen Stern & Margaret Hahn Stern and Cynthia Wolloch & Joseph Reid.
Young John Lewis was commissioned and originally produced by Theatrical Outfit.
“[Young John Lewis] should not be missed” - BroadwayWorld Atlanta
“A rousing tribute” - Arts ATL
CREATIVE TEAM AND CAST
Book and Lyrics by
Psalmayene 24
Music by
Kokayi
Directed by
Reginald L. Douglas
JOURNEY TO ATLANTA
This June, members of the Mosaic Theater Company family traveled to Atlanta for an unforgettable weekend of reflection, inspiration, and connection as we followed in the footsteps of civil rights legend, Congressman John Lewis. This immersive trip was part of our early work on Young John Lewis—a powerful new musical by Psalmayene 24—coming to Mosaic in 2026. Our journey to Atlanta was co-hosted by Mosaic Partner Joe's Movement Emporium.
Season-Long Reflection Series, Special performances and open captioned performances
Mosaic Theater Company of DC is proud to announce the Young John Lewis Reflection Series, a season-long slate of community conversations, performances and special events leading up to and surrounding the world premiere of Young John Lewis. Running March 26-April 26, 2026, Young John Lewis is a new musical celebrating the life and legacy of the late Congressman and Civil Rights leader. The Reflection Series extends the play’s themes into the community with events across all eight wards of Washington, DC, honoring Lewis’ commitment to “good trouble” while celebrating the city’s rich cultural, artistic and civic life.
Honorary Chairs of “A Season of Good Trouble” Young John Lewis Reflection Series: Ken Grossinger, Jeffrey Z. Slavin and Stephen Stern.
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Celebration of Community
October 9, 2025 | Ward 2 | Eaton DC
In the spirit of John Lewis’ commitment to coalition building across disparate communities, Mosaic will celebrate the power of connecting across differences with this kickoff event at Eaton DC. Featuring a panel conversation with diverse community leaders including Congresswoman Cori Bush, historical insights from the Smithsonian Museum of African-American History & Culture, reflections from the Young John Lewis creative team, and more.
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Hip Hop History Month
November 5, 2025 | Ward 8 | Busboys and Poets Anacostia
Mosaic partners with Busboys and Poets Anacostia for a night uplifting local spoken word and hip hop artists and highlighting Young John Lewis’ hip-hop roots.
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The Power of Knowing: John Lewis, Poetry & Hip-Hop
Ongoing | Wards 5, 7 and 8 | Capitol View Neighborhood Library, Francis A. Gregory Neighborhood Library and Woodridge Neighborhood Library
“The Power of Knowing” is an interactive workshop that brings together the legacy of civil rights leader John Lewis and the expressive energy of hip-hop and spoken word. Led by poet, spoken-word artist, and hip-hop educational leader Tony Keith Jr. in partnership with DC Public Library.
A Celebration of DC Home Rule
Date TBD | Ward 2 | MLK Library
December 24, 2025, marks 52 years of home rule in Washington, DC. Mosaic heads to MLK Library–the first major project DC built independently–for a celebration of DC artistry, identity and community. Programmed in partnership with the DC Public Library and the DC History Center.
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Remembering John Lewis: Good Trouble and the Black-Jewish Civil Rights Alliance
January 16-18 | Ward 3 | Adas Israel Congregation
Mosaic partners with Adas Israel Congregation and its church and gospel partners for the yearly Martin Luther King weekend days of inspiration. From shabbat to the Sunday community day of service, Mosaic and Adas will share stories, challenges and musical inspirations from Lewis' exemplary life of social action and building the beloved community.
Not Just Another Day Off Poetry Reading
January 17, 206 | Ward 6 | Folger Theatre
Each year, the Folger celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 's birthday with inspiring poetry readings and rousing historical speeches delivered by contemporary poets and actors. Mosaic will amplify their work and the significant relationship between Dr. King and Congressman Lewis, which is featured heavily in the musical.
The Fox & the Panther Play Reading
January 22, 2026 | Ward 4 | Busboys and Poets Takoma
The Fox & the Panther by Tariq Hamami takes us to the 1960s when Algeria established itself as the anti-colonial capital of the world and hosted multiple revolutionaries including the Black Panther Party. Presented in collaboration with California’s Golden Thread Productions, this new play reading will include a special talkback with the playwright and local leaders, highlighting the work of activists in the 1960s and now. Reading hosted at Busboys and Poets Takoma.
DC: A Home for New Musicals
January 26, 2026 | Location TBD
A panel conversation led by Washington Post theater critic Naveen Kumar highlighting local theater companies producing new musicals. Produced in partnership with Olney Theatre Company and Signature Theatre Company, the event will feature performances from Young John Lewis and upcoming productions at the peer theaters.
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The Spark
February 7, 2026 | Ward 6 | Atlas Performing Arts Center
Mosaic’s annual benefit event will honor local “Good Trouble” leaders Susan Clampitt (former Deputy Chair for Programs at the National Endowment for the Arts), Andy Shallal (Founder & CEO of Busboys & Poets), and George Vradenburg (civic leader and founder of Mosaic’s Trish Vradenburg Play Commission, honoring his late wife’s contributions to the arts by supporting emerging female playwrights). The event will feature a performance from Young John Lewis and a sneak peek of Mosaic’s 26-27 season.
Celebration of DC Black Theater
February 26, 2026 | Ward 1 | Howard University
A moving panel highlighting DC’s long history of being a hub for Black theater featuring present-day local Black women artistic leaders in conversation with trailblazers who built the legacy. Programmed in partnership with Howard University and State of DC Black Theatre.
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The Mosaic High School Playwriting Contest
March 15, 2026 | Ward 2 | MLK Library
Mosaic uplifts the next generation of playwrights through its High School Playwriting Contest, providing mentorship, instruction and a professionally guided reading of the winning play with a director and working actors. This year’s contest is inspired by the themes of Young John Lewis, including justice, coalition building, and activism within our communities.
Artist Talkback with Psalmayene 24
March 28, 2026 | Ward 6 | Atlas Performing Arts Center
Curious about what went into the making of Young John Lewis? Playwright Psalmayene 24 will share insights into the process behind the production and his artistic practice following a performance of the musical.
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Intergenerational Matinees
April 2, 9, 22, 23, and 30, 2026 | Ward 6 | Atlas Performing Arts Center
After watching Young John Lewis together, middle and high school students and seniors will engage in a post-show conversation with Mosaic’s artists and one another.
65 Years of Good Trouble: SNCC in DC
April 3, 2026 | Ward 6 | Atlas Performing Arts Center
2025 marks the 65th anniversary of the founding of SNCC–the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee–by leaders including Congressman Lewis. Mosaic invites SNCC members into conversation around SNCC’s work, legacy and more.
Washington Performing Arts Weekend
April 10-12, 2026 | Ward 6 | Atlas Performing Arts Center
Mosaic partner organization Washington Performing Arts will lead the curation of a weekend of special events celebrating the power of music and local arts collaborations.
Millennium Arts Salon Talkback
April 12, 2026 | Ward 6 | Atlas Performing Arts Center
Millennium Arts Salon holds a talkback conversation bridging arts and activism after a matinee performance of Young John Lewis.
The Dramaturgy of Hip Hop Theater
April 18, 2026 | Ward 6 | Atlas Performing Arts Center
Young John Lewis keeps the power of hip-hop theater alive! Playwright Psalmayene 24 is a leading figure in the movement and will shed insights into the form and its legacy in dialogue with other hip hop theater leaders.
The Next Generation of DC Changemakers
April 19, 2026 | Ward 6 | Atlas Performing Arts Center
John Lewis sparked many generations of activists and organizers towards fighting for change within their communities. This post-show conversation will feature some of the changemakers mobilizing for DC here and now.
The Good Troublemaker’s Symposium
April 24, 2026 | Ward 2 | Eaton DC
Mosaic concludes our season-long “Good Trouble’ Reflection Series with the Good Troublemaker’s Symposium. Featuring keynote speakers, breakout conversations, and opportunities to come together and mobilize towards a better future collectively. Programmed in partnership with Eaton DC and DC History Center.
Open Captioned Performances
April 25 at 7:30 p.m. and April 26 at 3 p.m.
Artist Talkback with the Cast of Young John Lewis
April 26, 2026 | Ward 6 | Atlas Performing Arts Center
Members of the cast will share insights into the making of the show and their unique connections to the work.
Mosaic Theater’s Education and Engagement Programming is supported by AARP, DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, Capitol Hill Community Foundation, Events DC, HumanitiesDC, Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, Nora Roberts Foundation, Stephanie Phillips & George Murray, and Partners Circle Visionaries Cathy & Bob Solomon, Champions Ken Grossinger & Micheline Klagsbrun, Frank Guzzetta & Paul Manville, Activists John & Meg Hauge, and Advocate Leonade Jones.
TICKET PRICES
PREVIEWS: THUR & FRI $42 · SAT & SUN $56
REGULAR PERFORMANCES: THUR & FRI $53 · SAT & SUN $70
TICKET DISCOUNTS
In the spirit of welcome, Mosaic is proud to remove financial barriers to our work via senior, student, military, and need-based discounts, plus a limited number of rush tickets for every show.
RUSH TICKETS
A limited number of rush tickets are available via walk-up cash purchase at the box office beginning one hour before the start of each performance.
SENIOR RATE (65+)
Save 10% with discount code: SENIOR
STUDENT RATE
$20 tickets with discount code: STUDENT
EDUCATOR RATE
$20 tickets with discount code: EDUCATOR
MILITARY AND FIRST RESPONDER RATE
Save 10% with discount code: HERO
UNDER 30
Patrons 30 and younger can access $25 tickets to Mosaic mainstage performances. Use code UNDER30. Restrictions: One ticket per order. Discount is not available on weekend matinees.
Type your discount code into the box where prompted during the checkout process.