Olympic Spirit: The Jesse Owens Story

The Stockton Performing Arts Center presents Arts Power and their production of Olympic Spirit on Wednesday, March 20 at 10:30 and NOON. It is no coincidence that this show will be performed shortly after the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

Olympic Spirit: The Jesse Owens Story reenacts the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany where one of America's most celebrated Olympic heroes, Jesse Owens, won an unprecedented four gold medals.

The story begins when Jesse Owens dreams of winning a gold medal and showing the world that all races are equal. Jesse's dear friend and teammate is a Jewish relay runner named Dave Levitt. Dave is also very eager to challenge Germany's "Master Race Theory." Jesse and Dave share their dreams of victory in the song "When We Get There."

When the two friends arrive in Berlin, Jesse quickly gains international recognition by winning gold medals in his first two races. Meanwhile, Dave befriends Helene Mayer, the only Jewish member of the entire German Olympic team. Unfortunately, the politics of the Games become overwhelming for the young athletes. Dave urges Helene to reject the Nazis though it would risk the safety of her family. Jesse begins to doubt his allegiance to America.

However, in the true spirit of the games, Helene reminds Jesse that it is not politics but his will and determination that makes him a champion. With renewed focus, Jesse wins his third gold medal. But soon after, Jesse must face more confusion when he is asked to replace Dave in the final relay race. Dave wrongly accuses Jesse of stealing his chance to defeat the Nazis when it is a publicity-hungry coach at fault. In the end, Helene helps Dave realize that supporting a friend is more important than politics. With Dave's encouragement, Jesse goes on to win an unprecedented fourth Olympic gold medal.

Arts Power National Touring Theatre is one of the premiere American theatre companies for young and family audiences. "At Arts Power, we are committed to enriching children's lives through the performing arts," said Gary Blackman, executive producer. "Characters like Jesse show young audiences that there is true strength in friendship in any day and age."

Tickets to Arts Power, Olympic Spirit on Wednesday, March 20 at 10:30 and NOON are $8 for all seats. To order tickets, call the Stockton Performing Arts Center Box Office at (609) 652-9000. The Box Office is open Monday - Friday, 9 AM - 7PM. The Box Office is also open 1 ½ hours before performances. Or order tickets online at www.stockton.edu/pac. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover Card orders are welcome. For our patrons with special needs, the Stockton Performing Arts Center offers wheelchair accessible seating, large type programs, and listening assistive devices. Please identify any needs you may have when making a reservation.

The Stockton Performing Arts Center, the Jersey Shore's premier Center for the Arts, is located on the campus of The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, on Jim Leeds Road in Pomona (Galloway Township). Just 12 miles west of Atlantic City, the Center is easily accessible from the Garden State Parkway and the Atlantic City Expressway.

This program is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment of the Arts and by funds from the National Endowment of the Arts.

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Author: Stockton Performing Arts Center Press Release