Quote of the Day: I don’t care if they call me a rocker, a blues woman, or a gospel singer. What matters is I’m making the music I love. Sister Rosetta Tharpe, from Marie and Rosetta by George Brant.

I finally got the chance to see this inspiring story of the amazing Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Marie Knight, her partner and friend. The stage is set in a funeral home where the two have their first rehearsal together. In the deep South in the 1940’s and 1950’s, the performers would often rely on the generosity of a community and friends to house them, as their options were limited. Sister Rosetta talks of having to eat outside because they couldn’t sit in restaurants. Throughout the play, Rosetta and Marie reminisce about meeting and forming a partnership. They talk about the men in their lives and the heartaches. They form a strong bond as musicians and friends. The play is filled with music they performed together, and it’s absolutely gorgeous. 

Adair Gilliam as Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Chaz Shermil Hodges as Marie Knight in Marie and Rosetta at the Yellow Tree Theatre, thru 4/19/26. Photo: Alex Clark

Adair Gilliam plays Sister Rosetta Tharpe. She is a skilled guitarist, singer, and performer. She captures the heart of Marie, and the audience, from the start. Marie asks her to sing one of her most famous, and passionate songs, “Strange Things Happening Everyday,” but Sister Rosetta says, “Oh, no. I can’t start with that one. You have to warm up to that one. That’s a closing song.” (paraphrase). And, we wait with anticipation to hear it! Chaz Shermil Hodges plays Marie Knight. She is also tremendously talented as a piano player and singer. They have a funny moment where Sister Rosetta tries to get her to “put her hips” into it! Marie hasn’t quite shed the restrictive bonds of her religion. Both women struggle with acceptance from their religious groups and upbringing, while holding to the faith and gospel music that formed them, and branching into the rhythm & blues and rock & roll that set their spirits free. 

Adair Gilliam as Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Chaz Shermil Hodges as Marie Knight in Marie and Rosetta at the Yellow Tree Theatre, thru 4/19/26. Photo: Alex Clark

This dynamic duo, under the direction of co-directors Ansa Akyea and Richard Thompson, bring you to a higher ground through their performance. I experienced many goose-bump moments through their songs, instrumentals, and their acting. They both have a way of inviting you in and making you feel every emotion. I recommend Marie and Rosetta to anyone who has been moved by music, appreciates the contributions to American music by the performers on stage as well as the ones they are portraying. Simply grand. 

Adair Gilliam as Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Chaz Shermil Hodges as Marie Knight in Marie and Rosetta at the Yellow Tree Theatre, thru 4/19/26. Photo: Alex Clark

Scenic Design by Sarah Brandner. Lighting Design by Alex Clark. Music Director Gary Hines. Vocal Director Jamecia Bennett. Sound Design by Jeff Bailey. Costumes by Samantha Fromm Haddow. Technical Director is Dylan Gourley. 

You can experience this inspiring musical, Marie and Rosetta, at the Yellow Tree Theatre in Osseo, MN through April 19, 2026. It runs approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, no intermission, and the time flies by. 

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: Who are musicians or artists that inspire you?