The Chicago Children’s Choir, along with the Q Brothers Collective, have announced an upcoming collaborative piece titled the “Long Way Home.”

A hip-hop spin on Homer’s “Odyssey” and set in Chicago’s diverse landscape, “Long Way Home” is written and directed by the Q Brothers, whose critically-acclaimed work includes “Othello: The Remix” commissioned by Shakespeare’s Globe Theater in London and Chicago Shakespeare Theater; “Q Gents,” a reimagining of Two Gentlemen in Verona; “A Q Brothers’ Christmas Carol,” a re-work of Charles’ Dickenson’s classic story; “Funk it Up About Nothin’,” winner of the Dress Circle Award for Best Musical Production at the 2008 Edinburgh Fringe; and others.

“This is a love letter to Chicago and a testament to the hope and promise we see in our young leaders,” said Josephine Lee, President and Artistic Director of CCC. “Our singers have been involved in the creative process. It has given them the chance to develop this highly-professional piece and also validates what they are going through at this time.”

“When you hear the Chicago Children’s Choir perform, you get goosebumps,” said JQ, Creative Director and Musical Director for Q Brothers. “The juxtaposition of innocent voices on heavy topics is awesome. It really encapsulates the epic nature of this piece.”

From the press release: “‘Long Way Home’ captures the pulse of contemporary life in Chicago. Though primarily hip-hop, the piece pays homage to the tapestry of cultures in the city through the music genres that were born and cultivated there including blues, punk, and Chicago house music. CCC singers ages 13-18 perform in the piece, which speaks directly to the heart of the organization: to bridge diverse communities through music.”

“These kids are a part of a piece that they can stand behind,” said Jackson Doran, Creative Associate and Director of Education for Q Brothers. “It is an insanely dope professional piece of art, which is empowering and shows the world the potential of young performers.”

“Long Way Home” runs for five performances March 9–11. For more information visit ccchoir.org/longwayhome.