When mezzo-soprano Ruby Hinds takes the stage Friday at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside's Communication Arts Theatre, the audience will experience a musical treat and a history lesson. Hinds will present a one-woman multimedia show chronicling the life of legendary contralto Marian Anderson - the first black person to sing at the Metropolitan Opera House.

"See There in the Distance: The Marian Anderson Story" is actually two distinct shows. The first portion of the evening is Hinds in concert. The second half is "See There in the Distance" where Hinds - as Marian Anderson - is backstage just before she makes her Metropolitan Opera debut.

The production uses images from Anderson's life to help tell her story. These images include her famous 1939 performance at the Lincoln Memorial in front of 75,000 people after the Daughters of the American Revolution refused her permission to sing at Constitution Hall. Hinds' performance is part the university's Art's Alive series.

Why did you decide to create a tribute to Marian Anderson?

When Marian Anderson passed away, I was saddened by the loss of both an icon of the musical world and a civil rights pioneer. However, during my travels I realized that there was an entire generation that knew absolutely nothing about her, so I wanted to do something to share her story with others. My sister, Esther, and I collaborated on my one-woman show "See There in the Distance."

This work chronicles the life and accomplishments of this legendary artist and explores the humanity and humility behind this icon. Her rise from her humble beginnings with the help of her faith, her family, her dream and those who came into her life that enabled her to attain those dreams. I feel that it is important to celebrate our heroes.

What do you feel is the educational value your performance?

I feel that this is an educational opportunity from a few different perspectives. I think the venue is entertaining as it endeavors to educate, and I have found that it provokes people to search out more information about Ms. Anderson and her life and accomplishments. Sometimes, the further we get away from a significant moment in history, the less we are inclined to vividly remember the power of that moment.

As I have traveled around the country performing my one-woman show "See there in the distance" for the past 10 years, I realize that it is more than just a dramatization of Marian Anderson's life. It is an opportunity to confirm that there are instances when the world can take notice of one person's struggle and, by its response, it can significantly affect an entire race of people.

Where else have you performed "See There in the Distance"?

I have been very fortunate that since its first performance in February 1997, I have been able share this piece in a variety of venues across the nation and on PBS. It is very unusual for a new work to have such longevity.

I have performed in music theaters, on college campuses, in churches and in concert halls - Torrance Symphony Hall, Redlands Bowl, The National Association of Negro Musicians in Las Vegas, Bluedorn Civic Center in Iowa, Pasadena Civic Auditorium, University of Michigan, Orange County Performing Arts Center, Long Island University and the Beverly Hills Playhouse, just to name a few.

What has the audience reaction been?

The audience response has been wonderful across the nation. There have been several times over the years when audience members have come forward and stated that they were actually in attendance at the historic concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on Easter Sunday morning April 9, 1939, and what an impact it had on their lives. That concert was arranged by Eleanor Roosevelt when the Daughters of the American Revolution refused to allow Ms. Anderson to perform at Constitution Hall because of the color of her skin. Those conversations continue to inspire me and reconfirm the importance of telling this story.

Do you feel a personal connection to Ms. Anderson?

I am honored by the legacy left by Marian Anderson. Her life and accomplishments had a direct affect on my life as an artist and as a human being. When I was a young artist at the Hartt College of Music at the University of Hartford, I was singled out as one of the singers to sing for Ms. Anderson when she was being conferred with an honorary degree from Hartt College of Music. Although she was no longer singing, her appearance was magical. She had a strength, a beauty and a wonderful dignity and I will always remember that image.

All through my career people have told me that I remind them of Marian Anderson and I have taken that as the highest form of praise. I believe that when you are bestowed with a gift, you also are bestowed with a responsibility and I feel that Ms. Anderson took that responsibility very seriously and did everything in her power to bring the gift and her dream to fruition, and I as an artist continue to ascribe to that ideal.

If You Go

What: "See There in the Distance: The Marian Anderson Story" featuring mezzo-soprano Ruby Hinds.

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Where: University of Wisconsin-Parkside Communication's Arts Theatre, 900 Wood Road

Cost: $20

FYI: While she is on campus, Hinds will present a free lecture about Anderson Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in room 247 of the UW-Parkside Library.

Tickets can be reserved by calling (262) 595-2345 or online at http://www.uwp.edu/ Keyword: tickets. For more information, contact Dwight Vaught at (262) 595-2277 or via e-mail at

vaught@uwp.edu