The de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) will host a one-night-only presentation of Rey of Light—a new musical with book by Jen Cohen and music and lyrics by Nicky Phillips—inspired by the extraordinary lives of H.A. and Margret Rey, creators of Curious George.
Featuring Southern Miss members of the Hub City Players, the performance will take place at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27, in the Joseph Paul Student Theatre inside the Thad Cochran Center.
This moving and joyful event will not only bring the Reys’ story to the stage, but will also mark a long-awaited family reunion of the Reys’ descendants. The family will gather from around the globe to celebrate the remarkable legacy preserved in the internationally renowned de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection, which houses the Reys’ original manuscripts, letters and artwork. The performance is free and open to the public, and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. (Parents, please note: the musical is intended for audiences ages 12 and up).
The evening will feature a powerful and intimate concert-style presentation of Rey of Light with professional actors, live music and archival images from the Rey Papers. The performance represents the musical’s latest milestone following development at top theatrical institutions including the ASCAP Stephen Schwartz Workshop, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Randolph College for the Performing Arts, the Goodspeed Musicals Johnny Mercer Writers Grove and the Canadian Music Theatre Project at Sheridan College.
“This is not a children’s musical,” said book writer Jen Cohen. “It’s a story about finding hope in the darkest times—about two artists who risked everything to preserve their freedom and creative spirit. Sharing this story and our process of writing a new musical in the place where their legacy is housed is one of the most meaningful moments in our journey so far.”
The musical is the result of years of in-depth research and creative development by Cohen and composer-lyricist Nicky Phillips. The writers began their process at the de Grummond Collection, studying the Reys’ original documents and sketches. Their journey also took them to Paris, where the Reys lived before fleeing Nazi-occupied France by bicycle, and to Waterville Valley, N.H., where they were awarded a creative residency at the Reys’ former cottage and composed early songs for the piece.
In addition to the performance, Cohen and Phillips will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a musical, the significance of archival storytelling, and their experience working with the Rey legacy.
“To present songs from Rey of Light surrounded by the Rey family, the Hattiesburg community, and the students and faculty of USM is incredibly special,” Phillips said. “The energy of this campus and the generosity of the de Grummond team have already shaped our process in beautiful ways.”
Cohen added, “This isn’t just a presentation to us—it’s history, emotion and legacy all converging in one incredible night.”
