New live drama on first African American priest coming to Walla Walla, Pasco
Jim Coleman plays Fr. Tolton on set at Mt. Angel Abbey and Seminary, in Mt. Angel, Ore. on Nov. 21, 2022. (Courtesy Photo)
During Jan. 26-30, the national touring live production of Tolton is coming to the Diocese of Spokane. Tolton tells the story of Black historic figure Augustus Tolton who escaped slavery and defied racial prejudice to become America's first Black priest. All shows are suitable for ages 10+. Over 50,000 people have been impacted by Tolton: From Slave to Priest. It's appeared in 26 states throughout the U.S. and stars the talented Jim Coleman (My Brother and Me, Ant-Man, The Quad, and more) as Fr. Tolton.
This powerful live theater production is filled with music, drama, and a-list performances. With 250+ Tolton shows across the country, the production is helping more people learn about this unsung Black hero who bridged the divide of his time through peaceful words and courageous acts.
Event: Tolton: From Slave to Priest, the live theatrical one-man drama performed by actor Jim Coleman and directed by Leonardo Defilippis of Saint Luke Productions, will be presented in Walla Walla (two shows) and Pasco (one show). Admission will be a free-will offering. The Walla Walla events are coordinated by Anne Guest (509) 906-4429 and the Pasco event is coordinated by St. Patrick Parish, Paso (509) 547-8841.
About the Production: Tolton: From Slave to Priest is a powerful new live production based on the life of Fr. Augustus Tolton, the first African American priest. This compelling true story of courage, forgiveness, and reconciliation resonates deeply with modern American audiences. Bishop Joseph Perry of Chicago, postulator for Fr. Tolton’s canonization cause, is calling Tolton a production that will “inspire a new era of peace, hope and forgiveness in America.”Tolton is a riveting multimedia drama not to be missed. The production runs 75 minutes, and is suitable for middle school age and up.
About Father Tolton: To characterize Fr. Augustus Tolton’s life as remarkable is an understatement. He was born a slave on a Missouri farm in 1854, and his mother risked everything to reach freedom in Illinois with her three small children. After settling in the town of Quincy, Illinois, the family continued to experience hardships and prejudice. In spite of this, he persevered in his deep desire to become a Catholic priest. When every seminary in the United States rejected him, Augustus did not give up, and he was finally ordained in Rome. Upon his return to Illinois, Fr. Tolton worked tirelessly to serve people of all races, especially the former slaves who flocked to Chicago.Fr. Tolton saw the Catholic Church as the antidote to the discrimination and rejection that he experienced in his own life. “It was the priests of the Church who taught me to pray and to forgive my persecutors,” he said. “We should welcome all people into the Church, not send them away.”At the young age of 43, Fr. Tolton died after collapsing from heat exhaustion in Chicago. Now his cause for sainthood is moving forward, as more and more people are beginning to recognize the humble perseverance, courage, and compassion of this extraordinary man.
Upcoming Shows:
Admission: Free-Will Offering
St. Patrick Catholic Church(Walla Walla), 408 West Poplar Street, Walla Walla, WA 99362
Show Dates/Times: Thursday, Jan. 26 at 6:00 PM
DeSales Catholic High School, 919 East Sumach Street, Walla Walla, WA 99362
Show Dates/Times: Friday, Jan. 27 at 1:00 PM
St. Patrick Catholic Church (Pasco), 1320 W. Henry Street, Pasco, WA 99301 ·
Show Dates/Times: Monday, Jan. 30 at 7:00 PM
More information at St. Luke Productions’ website, found here.