The Arkansas Repertory Theatre’s 2025 SummerStage season continues with the opening of “The Amen Corner” this week. Running Aug. 5–17, “The Amen Corner” is the first and one of the only plays written by iconic author James Baldwin.
Baldwin was a literary voice and activist during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s. At age 14, he became a preacher at Fireside Pentecostal Church in Harlem, where he discovered his authority as a speaker. Baldwin published his three-act play “The Amen Corner” in 1954, inspired by his experiences at that church.
With themes of racism, poverty, religion and family, the dramatic story follows Margaret Alexander, a storefront church pastor in Harlem, as she navigates her faith and humanity when her estranged husband returns. Margaret must confront the secular life she left behind, along with questions from her son and her congregation.
Each performance will feature a powerful, music-filled production with vocals from local choirs and soloists. Little Rock native Gillian Glasco, who performed in “Doubt” on Broadway and has appeared on television shows such as “Law & Order: SVU,” “Blue Bloods” and “Madam Secretary,” will play Margaret Alexander. Other cast members include Phyllis Yvonne Stickney as Sister Moore, Aaron Smith as Brother Boxer and Satia Spencer as Sister Boxer.
For more information or to purchase tickets to “The Amen Corner,” visit The Rep website or call the box office at 501.378.0405. Follow along on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
Click here to read about The Rep’s full 2025 SummerStage season lineup.