OVERVIEW:

The hip hop coming-of-age musical has arrived, and it's a journey of swagger, survival, and the search for self. It's Once Upon a Rhyme.

Jaw-dropping dance breaks. An infectious score that fuses hip-hop, soul, R&B, gospel and classic Broadway. A story of a man's search for identity, acceptance from community, and a truly authentic voice. It's ballet. It's rap.

Formerly known as iLLA! A Hip Hop Musical, the New York Musical Theatre Festival "Award for Excellence" recipient has been developed at the O'Neill, Goodspeed, and TheatreWorks Silicon Valley.

PLOT:

Prince Harper is nerdy, charming, and an exceptional ballet dancer. Prince also has what it takes to become the next hip hop icon. In an attempt to gain a coveted record deal, he creates a gangster rapper alter-ego, loses himself, and quickly spirals out of control. Will his new alter ego lead to his demise? Or will Prince realize that his authentic self is enough? 

ABOUT THEATRE 202 & DOZO DRAMA:

Theatre 202 is a 501(c)3 nonprofit youth theatre company founded in 2022 by educator Caity Schneeman for two primary purposes:

First, in response to the strong desire expressed by Caity’s former high school theatre students to continue making theatre and being involved in a meaningful community beyond the four walls of a school building;

Second, to raise funds for the Title I public school theatre programs Ms. Schneeman currently runs, which are severely restricted by bureaucratic red tape. Our current school partner is Dozo Drama, the student theatre program at Cardozo Education Campus. Cardozo is a historic Title I public school in Washington, DC, serving students in grades 6-12. The program is in its second year and we are attempting to revitalize a long history of the arts at the beautiful school. 

Besides the students at our partner schools, most of our participants are 26 years old and younger, out of school, under- or unemployed, and not in training or education. We believe that all youth have extraordinary value and deserve to be meaningful contributors to society.

This company was founded to support our youth in telling their stories, empowering others to do the same, and changing the narrative for the future leaders of Washington, DC.

Please visit www.theatre202.org to find out more about our company, sign up for our newsletter, or make a generous donation! Thank you! 

OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS: