Dessa Rose 2005

Set in the antebellum South of 1847, "Dessa Rose" is a powerful musical that explores an unlikely but enduring friendship between two women. Dessa Rose, a courageous young runaway slave seeking freedom for herself and her newborn daughter, stumbles upon the Alabama farm of Ruth, a lonely woman abandoned by her husband. Despite their racial and social differences, a bond forms between them. Ruth, yearning for connection, offers Dessa Rose refuge, while Dessa Rose challenges Ruth's sheltered perspective on the world. Together, they navigate the dangers of harboring escaped slaves and forge a bond that transcends societal boundaries. The musical features soul-stirring songs like "Twelve Children" and "Roll, Jordan, Roll," that weave a tapestry of hardship, resilience, and the yearning for freedom.



Based on the novel by Sherley Anne Williams, "Dessa Rose" with music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, has garnered critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling and exploration of social issues.