An actress portraying contralto Marian Anderson stands by a cluttered desk and near an actor portraying Albert Einstein. Einstein holds a violin.

Photo of Felicia Curry as Marian Anderson and Christopher Bloch as Albert Einstein by Scott Suchman.

My Lord, What a Night

A new drama based on the real-life friendship between contralto Marian Anderson and physicist Albert Einstein.

October 1, 2021 — October 24, 2021

100 minutes with no intermission.

Recommended for 12 and older

After performing in Princeton, New Jersey, acclaimed contralto Marian Anderson is denied lodging at the Nassau Inn because she is Black. Physicist Albert Einstein invites her to stay at his home, and the two form a profound friendship based on their love for music and their commitment to human rights.

Based on true events, My Lord, What a Night takes us into Einstein’s home and imagines the conversations and circumstances that led to Anderson’s historic concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Ford’s Senior Artistic Advisor Sheldon Epps (Twelve Angry Men) returns to direct Felicia Curry as Marian Anderson, Christopher Bloch as Albert Einstein, Michael Russotto as Abraham Flexner and Franchelle Stewart Dorn as Mary Church Terrell.

Don’t miss this remarkable new play about courage, justice and our shared humanity.

Artistic Team

Writer Deborah Brevoort

Scenic Design Meghan Raham

Costume Design Karen Perry

Lighting Design Max Doolittle

Sound Design John Gromada

Hair and Make-Up Designer Danna Rosedahl

Projection Designer Clint Allen

Production Stage Manager Brandon Prendergast

Assistant Stage Manager Julia Singer

Cast

Christopher Bloch

Albert Einstein

Felicia Curry

Marian Anderson

Franchelle Stewart Dorn

Mary Church Terrell

Michael Russotto

Abraham Flexner

Teresa Cunningham

Understudy

Eric Hissom

Voice of Reporter/ Understudy

Lawrence Redmond

Voice of Reporter

Stephen F. Schmidt

Voice of Reporter

From the Gallery

Felicia Curry as Marian Anderson and Christopher Bloch as Albert Einstein in the Ford’s Theatre production of Deborah Brevoort’s “My Lord, What a Night,” directed by Sheldon Epps. Photo by Scott Suchman.

Two actresses portraying Mary Church Terrell and Marian Anderson stand face-to-face clasping hands.

Franchelle Stewart Dorn as Mary Church Terrell and Felicia Curry as Marian Anderson in the Ford’s Theatre production of Deborah Brevoort’s My Lord, What a Night, directed by Sheldon Epps. Photo by Scott Suchman.

An actor portraying Albert Einstein holds a pile of newspapers.

Christopher Bloch as Albert Einstein in the Ford’s Theatre production of Deborah Brevoort’s My Lord, What a Night, directed by Sheldon Epps. Photo by Scott Suchman.

An actress portraying Marian Anderson sits on a settee. An actress portraying Marcy Church Terrell stands behind her. Actors portraying Abraham Flexner and Albert Einstein stand at right.

Felicia Curry as Marian Anderson, Franchelle Stewart Dorn as Mary Church Terrell, Michael Russotto as Abraham Flexner, Christopher Bloch as Albert Einstein in the Ford’s Theatre production of Deborah Brevoort’s My Lord, What a Night, directed by Sheldon Epps. Photo by Scott Suchman.

"Truly thrilling!"

– DC Metro Theater Arts

"Those with the chance to view “My Lord, What a Night” should do so, and hopefully leave the theater after better for it."

– The Hill

"Curry is the heart of the drama with her innate dignity and radiant singing."

– TalkingBroadway.com

"…Provides a thought-provoking window into history and a reminder that even well-intentioned and intelligent people may disagree on the right response to social injustice."

– Maryland Theatre Guide

"The cast features some of D.C.'s strongest and most compelling actors – what a delight to see them work so expertly together, pinging off each other's energy and interpretation."

– Broadway World

Costume Sketches by Karen Perry

Design sketch for the character of Marian Anderson. Costume design by Karen Perry.

Design sketch for the character of Albert Einstein. Costume design by Karen Perry.

Design sketch for the character of Abraham Flexner. Costume design by Karen Perry.

Singer Marian Anderson stands singing behind a podium at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Behind-the-Scenes Theatre

Albert Einstein and Marian Anderson’s Friendship of Happenstance

Set in the 1930s, My Lord, What a Night is a new drama based on the real-life friendship between contralto Marian Anderson and physicist Albert Einstein. It may be hard to imagine that one of the most celebrated singers of the 20th century and the German-Jewish genius who developed the theory of rel

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