Three organizations will come together to host “Play It Forward: Champions Night,” a gala fundraiser celebrating the World Premiere Production of And In This Corner … Cassius Clay and to celebrate the birthday and legacy of Muhammad Ali.

Commissioned by StageOne from playwright Idris Goodwin; the project was announced in August 2014 as part of StageOne’s New Play Development Series; and tells the boyhood story of young Cassius Clay growing up in deeply segregated 1950’s Louisville. Working to inspire the next generation of young leaders, StageOne Family Theatre, the Muhammad Ali Center and The Kentucky Center for the Arts came together to build a dual-venue field trip opportunity for students grades four through twelve to experience his story on stage in the state-of the-art Bomhard Theater at The Kentucky Center and also tour the world-renowned Muhammad Ali Center.

The event will begin with drinks and dinner catered by Wiltshire Pantry at the Muhammad AliCenter, continuing with StageOne’s premiere performance of And In This Corner … Cassius Clay in the Bomhard Theater at The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, culminating in a post-show celebration with the cast, playwright, and special guests.