Ford’s ‘The American Five’ Reveals the Story Behind Planning the March on Washington

['Brenda C. Siler', 'More Brenda C. Siler', '.Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus-Coauthors.Is-Layout-Flow', 'Class', 'Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus', 'Display Inline', '.Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus-Avatar', 'Where Img', 'Height Auto Max-Width', 'Vertical-Align Bottom .Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus-Coauthors.Is-Layout-Flow .Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus-Avatar'] The Washington Informer 2025-10-02 19:41:00

However, “The American Five,” now at Ford’s Theatre until Oct. 12, shares the larger story behind that historic day — going back more than 70 years. In 2023, Jakobs began the workshop process for “American Five,” through Ford’s Legacy Commissions established in 2021. The initiative is led by Senior Artistic Adviser Sheldon Epps, director of artistic programming, Carrasquillo and Sydné Mahone, Ford’s Theatre Legacy commissions adviser. There is brilliant casting with the five actors in “American Five,” who are veterans to D.C. area stages, but are all making their Ford’s Theatre debut. While this is his first time performing on Ford’s stage, Boddie is familiar with portraying the celebrated civil rights leaders.