Stage preview: City Theatre gives voice to classical singer Roland Hayes

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Roland Hayes' fascinating life was a mostly hidden chapter of American history just waiting for a writer to mine for dramatic presentation. Born the son of slaves in 1887 Georgia, he defied poverty and prejudice to become the first African-American classical vocalist to tour the world. Daniel Beaty's biographical play "Breath & Imagination," a collaboration of Hartford Stage and City Theatre, stars concert and recording artist Jubilant Sykes in his acting debut and Kecia Lewis-Evans, a veteran of Broadway and touring musicals, playing Hayes' mother, Angel Mo'.