In association with:
TheaterWorksUSA & Edgewood Entertainment
Growing up, Will’s big brother taught him three iron-clad rules of how to behave when gun violence claims someone close: Don’t cry. Don’t snitch. Get revenge. So when his brother is himself gunned down, Will is determined to follow the code and gets in the elevator on the top floor of his apartment building, armed and ready to hit the streets in search of vengeance. What happens on the way down is an emotional hip-hop journey through the cycles of violence that have plagued Will’s family and too many others. This Rolling World Premiere musical is based on the Newberry Medal Honor-winning Young Adult novel by DMV native Jason Reynolds. This powerful story is being developed in partnership with The Apollo through their New Works Program, and will be presented in Apollo’s new Victoria space after its limited Olney Theatre engagement.
Long Way Down was originally commissioned and developed by TheaterWorksUSA
Book, music and lyrics by
Dahlak Brathwaite
Additional writing by
Khiyon Hursey
Adapted from the bestselling novel by
Jason Reynolds
Co-choreographed by
Ken-Matt Martin and Victor Musoni
Directed by
Ken-Matt Martin
© 2017 Used with permission of Pippin Properties
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Community Events
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Beyond the Stage
Book Club Discussion
Title: Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
Discussion Date: May 21, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
Location: Omi's Pavilion
RSVP to attend the discussion.Title: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Following the book discussion, there will be a conversation with activist groups in Montgomery County.
Discussion Date: May 28, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
Location: Omi's Pavilion
RSVP to attend the discussion.
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Behind the Scenes
Opening Night Panel: In Conversation with Author Jason Reynolds
Saturday, May 25, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Mulitz-Gudelsky Theatre Lab
$10 / Free for membersJoin Jason Loewith, Artistic Director of Olney Theatre Center, in conversation with award-winning author Jason Reynolds.
Can't make it in person? This event will be available via live stream on our Facebook and YouTube pages.
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Story Time at the Olney Library
Story Time at the Olney Library
Sunday, June 2, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Olney Public Library (3500 Olney Laytonsville Rd, Olney, MD 20832)
No RSVP. Just show up!As part of our celebration of Long Way Down, we’re sponsoring a morning of stories at the Olney Public Library. This is a free family event appropriate for all ages, especially toddlers, preschoolers, and young children. Books to be read are chosen with the help of the Olney librarian and feature special guest storyteller Shaquille Stewart.
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Beyond the Stage
Social Mixer - Olney Theatre Pride Celebration
Friday, June 7th, 6:00-7:15 p.m.
Omi’s Pavilion, Olney Theatre Center
Free, with RSVPHonor our LGBTQ+ artists by joining local council members Dawn Luedtke, Evan Glass, and Artistic Director Jason Loewith for a reception celebrating Pride Month.
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Beyond the Stage
Just Arts 2024 ENOUGH! Plays to End Gun Violence
Saturday, June 8th, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Omi’s Pavilion, Olney Theatre Center
Free, with RSVPOlney Theatre Center Invites you to a staged reading of the ENOUGH! Plays to End Gun Violence. This reading is brought to you through a collaborative effort with Imagination Stage, Round House Theatre, and Mauricio Pita & Team.
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Beyond the Stage
Juneteenth Celebration
Wednesday, June 19th, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Omi’s Pavilion, Olney Theatre Center
Free, with RSVPCome join us at Olney Theatre Center as we celebrate Juneteenth! Enjoy a night filled with dance and music featuring performances by Urban Artistry.
