Ken Wydro, a notable playwright and director, passed away at 81, leaving a legacy marked by the Off Broadway musical 'Mama, I Want to Sing.' He and his wife, Vy Higginsen, invested their life savings into this groundbreaking show, which tells the inspiring story of a minister's daughter who achieves fame as a soul singer. Based loosely on Higginsen's sister, Doris Troy, the musical overcame initial rejection from major producers, eventually running for more than 2,800 performances and becoming a significant component of Black theater.
Mama, I Want to Sing is a Black Cinderella story. Coming from behind, finding oneself through loss, pain, and family love, says Ken Wydro.
Nearly every major theatrical producer in New York rejected the show, fearing that a gospel-heavy musical would attract a limited audience.
The show... tells the tale of a minister's daughter who rises to international fame as a soul singer, inspired by Doris Troy's life.
Wydro and his wife poured their life savings into Mama, I Want to Sing, which ran for over 2,800 performances, marking an essential part of Black theater.
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