Bristol Riverside Theatre presents Welcome Home, Marian Anderson, written by & starring Vanessa Shaw, and directed by Jeffery V. Thompson.

Welcome Home, Marian Anderson tells the triumphant story of a historically important African American singer who overcame racial bias with powerful talent and dignity.

A native of Philadelphia, Marian Anderson overcame seemingly insurmountable challenges with dignified resolve and quiet determination, from being denied entrance to an all-white music high school in 1921 to being banned from performing by the Daughters of the American Revolution. This show focuses on a critical ten years in the life of Marian Anderson, best known for her 1939 concert at the Lincoln Memorial where her ironic rendition of "My Country 'Tis of Thee" exemplified the racial inequalities of the times. Through her determination and ability, she overcame racial prejudice and became one of the most successful singers of the time, and one of the most significant African American vocalists in American history.