Soaring into History: A New Play Tells a Powerful Story

Sigmon Theatrical Helps Bring Bessie Coleman’s Story to the Stage

This November, the skies over Charlotte will echo with the spirit of a true trailblazer as BESSIE COLEMAN: FEARLESS & FREE makes its debut at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. Produced by Sigmon Theatrical, the all-new show by Redeeming History Productions and penned by the talented Keetha B., celebrates the life and legacy of aviation pioneer Bessie Coleman—the first African American woman and first woman of Native American descent to earn a pilot’s license.

Today, on Juneteenth, we were honored to participate in a staged reading of the show—the first time the words have come to life in front of an audience. The reading was met with great enthusiasm, affirming the importance of telling stories that uplift voices too often left out of the spotlight.

Set to run November 15–16 in the Wells Fargo Playhouse, this play is designed for audiences ages 9 and up and runs approximately 70 minutes. Featuring an unbelievable cast starring Lydia Williamson and Rasheem Shabazz, BESSIE COLEMAN: FEARLESS & FREE invites young audiences to meet “Queen Bess,” a woman who defied gravity and prejudice alike, proving that the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning.

"At Sigmon Theatrical, we are proud to help bring this inspiring story to life. Bessie Coleman’s courage, determination, and unshakable belief in her dreams align beautifully with our mission, vision, and hope for the world we want to be a part of. We believe theatre has the power to educate, to inspire, and to transform—and this production does all three." says Caleb Sigmon, the company's Creative Director.

Stay tuned as we prepare for takeoff this fall. Until then, we’ll keep reaching for the clouds—just like Bessie did.

Learn more and buy tickets now by visiting Children's Theatre of Charlotte's official website.