Photo Flash: NYMF's FREEDOM RIDERS Gets Visit From Real-Life Freedom Rider John Lewis

The team at FREEDOM RIDERS at this year's New York Musical Festival had an exciting visit from real-life Freedom Rider and US Congressman, John Lewis, during their run last week, check out the photos below.

The Award winning FREEDOM RIDERS: The Civil Rights Musical began performances at The New York Musical Festival on August 1, 2017.

The musical tells the story of the real-life Freedom Riders who challenged the status quo of the 1960's by riding interstate buses in mixed racial groups through the South challenging local laws and customs that enforced segregation. Based on the lives of Diane Nash, Congressman John Lewis, and the other riders, Freedom Riders is a soaring portrait of American race relations and a testament to the power of nonviolent direct action in uncovering injustice.

Freedom Riders features a book by Richard Allen and music and lyrics by Allen and Taran Gray. Allen works in Hollywood as a feature film and television writer, director, and producer. Gray is a songwriter and music producer who has worked with artists across multiple labels including EPIC, Motown, Crissy Field Records, and Universal. Allen and Gray previously created Second Star, a musical television show for Disney XD.

Photo Credit: Michael Kushner

Anthony Chatmon II and Congressman John Lewis

Anthony Chatmon II and Congressman John Lewis

Congressman John Lewis and the cast of FREEDOM RIDERS

Richard Allen, Congressman John Lewis and Taran Gray

Richard Allen, Congressman John Lewis and Taran Gray

Richard Allen, Steven Cuevas, Congressman John Lewis, Whiteny White and Taran Gray

The cast of FREEDOM RIDERS with Congressman John Lewis